Richard Smith, Preset, Louis Krohn, V. Preset, James M. DoherTV, 
Henry Hemmelgarn, Wm. Strunk, J. L. Fpl;ey, 

F. A. Armstrong. Secretary. 

The Board or Review 


OF THE CITY OF CINCINNATI. 


REPORT OF GEO. McLAUGHLIN, 

SPECIAL EXAMINER, 


IN REGARD TO THE AFFAIRS OF THE 

CITY WATERWORKS 

MADE 

December 2, 1892. 


CINCINNATI: 

THE COMMERCIAL GAZETTE JOB PRINT. 


1892 






Office of the Board of Review, 

Cincinnati, December 17, 1892. 


) 


The Board of Review, acting as the City Board of Revision, 
received a report from Mr. Geo. McLaughlin, previously appointed to 
examine into the affairs of the City Waterworks Department. Said 
report and accompanying documents were referred to a Special Com¬ 
mittee, consisting of Messrs. Strunk and Krohn, whose report to the 
Board is appended. The report was approved and adopted by the 
following vote : Ayes—Doherty, Hemmelgarn, Krohn, Strunk, and 
the President. 

It was further ordered that this report and the report of Mr. 
McLaughlin, together with the accompanying documents, be trans¬ 
mitted in accordance with the law to the Board of Legislation and 
printed in pamphlet form. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE. 




Cincinnati, December 17, 1892. 

The Board of Review : 

Gentle?nen ,— Your committee appointed to review the report of 
Examiner McLaughlin on the management of the Waterworks Depart¬ 
ment of this city presents the following: 

I. 

The report appears to be full and comprehensive, showing that a 
vast amount of labor, combined with great skill and fidelity, have been 
expended upon the same. 

II. 

The analysis made of the official report for 1891 shows glaring 
mistakes as to tons of coal used, the cost of same, and gallons of water 
per inhabitant, as evidenced by the following table: 



Stated in 

Actual 


Report. 

Amount. 

Tons of coal used. 

. 43,997 

53,186 

Daily average in tons. 


145-71 

Cost of coal, per ton.. 

. $2.80 

$2.47 

Gallons water per inhabitant. 

Comment is unnecessary. 

. 199-67 

138.09 


III. 

The payment in March (1891) of $2,502.52 as an excess allowance 
on coal delivered, in direct opposition to the advice of the Corporation 
Counsel and an injunction issued by the courts, as well ss further 
excessive payments of $2,101.32 on coal purchases, and the fact that 
nut and slack coal were purchased during the early part of the present 
year at the same time from two firms—the one firm being paid $1.93 







Report of the Committee. 


5 


per ton and the other $1.75 per ton—are all indications, in the absence 
of other knowledge upon the subject, that in these particulars very 
loose methods have prevailed. The manner of executing coal con¬ 
tracts appears incomprehensible when ordinary business principles are 
applied to them. 


IV. 

The reported violation of the law in not advertising for the purchase 
of supplies necessary for the department has, in addition to the 
pernicious effect upon the people at large of a violation of the law, 
apparently cost the city a considerable sum of money, The law as 
to advertising for all supplies amounting to $500 or more should be 
strictly complied with. The only exception to making purchases in 
these amounts would appear to apply to articles where violent fluctua¬ 
tions in values are of frequent occurrence, when the best interests 
of the city may occasionally be served by buying oftener and in 
smaller amounts. 


V. 

The increase in the sums of the annual pay-rolls from 237 men 
and payments amounting to $164,736.64 in 1882 to 499 men and pay¬ 
ments amounting to $373,167.70 in 1891 is something enormous. It 
shows the increase in pay-rolls to amount to 126 per cent, while the 
increase in water-rents for the same years is only 41 per cent. It is 
furthermore out of all proportion to the growth in population during 
these years, bears no relation whatever to the increase in the tax 
duplicate, and apparently furnishes a basis for the belief that there has 
been needless extravagance or careless management, or both. A com" 
parison of the total receipts and expenses for the same years (1882 and 
1891) presents a still stronger contrast. 


Total Expenses and 
Water Rents. Betterments. 

1882. $507,501 31 $331,094 71 

1891. 7 : 9> io 9 l S 834,132 90 


In other words, while the receipts have increased $211,607.84, the 
expenditures have increased $503,038.19, seven tenths of which sum 
is an increase in the running expenses of the department. The further 
fact that each application to turn water on or off costs the Waterworks 
Department two dollars against forty cents to fifty cents paid by the 




6 


Report of the Committee. 


Cincinnati Gas Light and Coke Company calls for an immediate 
remedy. 


VI. 

The decrease in the consumption of fuel in the ten months ending 
November i, 1892, amounting to 5,376 tons, at a saving in cost of 
$26,102.35, is most commendable. The total reduction in current 
expenses for the same period is $*37,365.72, and appears like the 
dawning of a new era. This is proof positive that a way has at last 
been found by which betterments, including a new pumping engine 
and boilers to suit for the Front-street house in 1893, can be provided 
without resorting to an issue of bonds for the purpose. 

VII. 

The report of the Examiner clearly shows that sundry improve¬ 
ments and devices introduced by Mr. Tharp, the Waterworks Super¬ 
intendent, have brought about large savings, and that he deserves 
praise for his untiring devotion to duty. The general management 
for the current year, aside from the apparent irregularities in the 
reported purchases of coal referred to above, has been a decided im¬ 
provement upon that of recent years, and leads us to hope that the 
Board of Administration, with a determined purpose, can and no 
doubt will effect still larger savings, and that the tax-payers may get 
relief by a reduction in the water-rents. 

In conclusion, we report that in the interest of the tax-payers no 
contract of any kind should be signed on behalf of the Waterworks 
Department until the Corporation Counsel has certified in writing that 
the same meets every legal requirement; no changes in contracts 
should be permitted, excepting upon the written advice of the same 
official, in regard to the effect of the proposed changes; and under no 
circumstances should the interests of the city be prejudiced by releas¬ 
ing sureties from their obligations. 

Respectfully submitted, 

WM. STRUNK, 
LOUIS KROHN. 


Summary of Report of Examiner. 


The report begins with a formal review of the Accounting Depart¬ 
ment, extending from p. 13 to p. 16. The survey bills reach 58,000. 
The entire number of bills of all kinds, including meter, elevator, 
and building-permit bills, amounts to 85,000. The increase of survey 
bills for the year 1891 was seventeen per cent; the meter and elevator 
bills twenty per cent. The uncollected bills of all classes did not 
reach $250 in amount, or one twenty-ninth of one per cent of the 
entire water-rents, $733,905.35. 

Attention is called, on p. 17, to the fact that it is the expendi¬ 
tures, not the receipts, that call for examination. Since 1882 there 
has been an increase from $128,610.36 to $466,380.42, or 264 per 
cent; while the water delivery, as stated in the reports of the depart¬ 
ment, has increased only 115 per cent. No economy has been found 
in the greater volume, as ordinarily occurs in the experience of private 
corporations. The greater number of gallons has been pumped at an 
increased cost per gallon—viz. : $18.10 per million gallons in 1882, 
and $30.03 in 1891. 

The official report for 1891 is analyzed on pp. 18-21, and the 
errors that are discoverable on the face of the returns are as follows: 



Stated in Report. 

Actual Amount 

Difference. 

Tons of coal. 

43,997 

53,186 

9.189. 

Daily average in tons. 

61.84 

M5-7I 

83.87 

Cost of coal during year. 

$*31,775 00 

$131,885 14 

$IIO 14 

Cost of coal per ton. 

2 80 

2 47 

33 

Gallons water per inhabitant... 

199.67 

I38.O9 

61.58 














8 


Summary of Report of Examiner. 


Reasons for the belief that the deficiency due to the imperfect 
filling of the pumps in the Front-street Station amounts to twenty per 
cent or more are given on pp. 19-20. 

Mr. Tharp’s intention to measure the water, in 1892, by means 
of a weir is set forth on p. 20, and the device described. Reasons 
are given on pp. 20-21 for limiting the annual increase in the water 
delivery to nine per cent by a reference to the increased area of the 
service branches between 1882 and 1891, which amounts to 7.20 per 
cent annually during the period. 

The effect that previous exaggerated statements in regard to the 
water delivery and other matters have had in forcing the present 
management into the awkward position assumed in the report of 1891 
is commented upon on p. 21. 

Under the head of Coal Contracts, the details are given on pp. 
22-24, in relation to a payment by the Board of Improvements, as 
one of its first official acts in returning to power in March, 1891, 
of the sum of $2,502.52 as an excess allowance on coal already 
delivered—the payment being made in defiance of the opinion of 
Theo. Horstman, Corporation Counsel, and in disregard of an injunc¬ 
tion issued by the courts. 

Under the same heading, on pp. 24-25, will be found the details 
of excess payments, amounting to $2,101.32, made on coal purchased 
from other dealers on account of the refusal of the Superintendent to 
receive the coal delivered by the Consolidated Coal and Mining 
Company, the coal furnished under their contract not being of the 
required quality. 

The same division of this report shows, on pp. 22-26, the payments 
made during the early part of the present year to the Consolidated 
Coal and Mining Company of $1.93 per ton for nut and slack coal, 
when it appears by the bills that coal of this kind was purchased at 
the same time from W. H. Brown & Sons at $1.75 per ton, the excess 
payments amounting to $404.35, and the bills therefor exceeding in 
several cases the sum of $500, fixed by the law as the limit of the 
purchase of supplies not made under contracts duly entered into after 
advertisement for bids. 

The careless manner in which the contracts for coal have been 
made, and the difficulties encountered by the Superintendent in 
forcing contractors to sign the agreements after the awards had been 
made, are matters set forth on pp. 26-27. A summary of the features 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


9 


of the coal contracts is given on p. 27, and a detailed statement of the 
coal bills in 1891 and 1892 appears on pp. 27-28. 

A remarkable decrease in the consumption of fuel in the ten 
months ending November 1, 1892, is commented upon on p. 28. 
Decrease in number of tons 5,376, or 14.30 per cent; decrease in 
cost $26,102.35, or 28.30 per cent. The reduction in coal bills 
during the entire year stated at the same rate would amount to 
$ 33 .S 9 2 * 55 - 

In the record kept at the Front-street Station of the number of 
gallons pumped, there is a reduction in the nine months in 1892 
amounting to 11.25 P er cent, in despite of an increase of 3,952,585 
in the number of revolutions made by the large engines within the 
pumping house that is equal to 17.39 P er cent. The foundation 
for the decrease is found in the statistics in regard to the auxiliary 
engines. 

This statement in the record, although made against the manage¬ 
ment, has no foundation in fact, as the water in the Eden-Park 
reservoir was maintained at its full height in 1892, while the reservoir 
was far from being full during a number of days in 1891. The errors 
in the official statement may be ascribed partly to the greatly-improved 
condition, in 1892, of the engines within the pumping house, and 
partly to the exaggerated claims set up in regard to the performance 
of the auxiliary engines—the sum of the exaggeration being propor¬ 
tionately greater in 1891, by reason of the fact that these engines 
were used during nine months in that year and only during three 
months in 1892. (Pages 29-30.) 

On p. 31 the economy in the fuel is ascribed chiefly to the feed- 
water heater introduced in the beginning of 1892. The excess of 
14.30 per cent reduction in the tons of coal consumed, over 12.09 
per cent, economy the greatest possible amount due to the heater, is 
attributed to the use of the Stirling boilers, first used during the 
present year. These boilers consume nut and slack coal at a cost 
of $1.63 per ton, instead of lump coal at $2.21 per ton. A 
diminished use, in 1892, of the auxiliary engines, operated at an 
extravagant expenditure for coal, has also contributed to the economy 
shown. 

An increased consumption of coal at the Hunt-street Works in 
1892 is shown on p. 32, amounting to 263 tons, or 8.58 per cent. 
This is justified by an increase of 11.63 per cent in the amount of 


10 Summary of Report of Examiner. 

water pumped, together with an increase from 13.65 revolutions 
of the engines per minute in June, July, August, and September, 
1891, to 15.97 revolutions per minute in 1892. A feed-water heater, 
delivering water at 180 degrees, was in use during both years. (Page 
34.) As the pumps are filled at every stroke by a pressure from the 
Eden-Park reservoir amounting to twenty pounds per square inch, the 
statistics at the Hunt-street Works can be depended upon as entirely 
accurate returns of the water delivered. (Page 33.) 

A detailed statement of the defects of the engines and pumps in 
the Front-street Pumping House, and a reference to the capacity 
of certain engines as steam-wasters, is given on p. 35. Notice is 
taken of the fact that the Worthington and Wetherill engines are the 
only double expansion engines in the house, and have the only 
cylinders provided with steam jackets. Triple expansion engines are 
recommended, provided the speed attained in marine engines is not 
a necessary part of the economy of their use. (Pages 36-37.) 

The greater inefficiency of the pumps as compared with the steam 
cylinders is referred to on p. 37. The delay arising from the length 
of time necessarily devoted to taking apart, repairing, and repacking 
very large-sized engines is believed to offset the advantages derived 
from their greater size (p. 37). The bad economy of the auxiliary 
engines is referred to on pp. 37-38. 

The effect of the introduction of a steam capstan by the present 
management is favorably commented upon; the advantage of the 
separation of the coal is questioned, and Mr. Tharp’s method of con¬ 
ducting repairs is advocated on p. 39. 

Covered canals for the intake, instead of tunnels, are suggested on 
p. 40, on account of the opportunities they would give for dredging 
the accumulations of mud at less cost. 

Four purchases of lead, made in evasion of the $500 limit, are 
detailed on pp. 40-42. The plea that it is impossible to conduct the 
city’s affairs without violating the provisions of the law is considered 
on p. 42. The saving that could have been made if the law h id been 
complied with in the purchases of lead in question is set forth on 

pp. 42-43- 

The property leased by the department is described on p. 43, and 
the necessity for a Custodian of Public Documents stated. 

The increase in the sum of the annual pay-rolls from 237 men 
and payments amounting to $164,736.64 in 1882 to 499 men and 


Cincinnati Watirwork c . 


11 


payments amounting to $373,167.70 in 1891 is detailed on p. 
44. Special items on pay-rolls 1882-1891 are compared on same 
page. 

The eccentricities in the weekly payments on account of the 
inspection service, from 1882 to 1891, are set forth on p. 45. Each 
application to turn water on or off costs the department two dollars 
against forty cents to fifty cents paid by the Cincinnati Gas Light and 
Coke Company. 

A comparative statement of current expenses is given on p. 46. 
The increase, amounting to $30,470.64 on July 1, 1892, has been 
changed to a diminution of payments which shows a decrease of 
$1:37,365,72 in the ten months ending November 1, 1892. In all 
the departments the expenses have decreased, with the exception of 
the stable and hydrant service — the former showing an increase 
of $3,743.90 and the latter $1,828.69 during the ten months 
specified. 

On p. 46 will be found a detailed account of current expenses, and 
a statement in regard to the payments on account of betterments 
appears on same page. During the ten months $166,888.24 has been 
paid for betterments against $156,491.58 paid in 1881, notwithstanding 
the fact that no less a sum than $200,000 was procured from the sale 
of bonds issued in July, 1891, to provide payment for this class of dis¬ 
bursements, while no money was obtained in the same way in 1892. 
(See p. 47.) 

The current indebtedness may be estimated on p. 47 at $48,541.19 
(more or less), being the sum of the bills audited and unaudited filed 
with Mr. Keating, the book-keeper of the department. 

An analysis of the stable accounts is given on p. 48. 

Insurance policies have peen placed on the stable buildings belong¬ 
ing to the owners of the fee—a clear waste of money, as nothing 
could be collected on account of this item of the policies in event 
of loss by fire. (Page 49.) 

An increase in the water-rents, amounting to $33,670.60, is reported 
in the ten months ending November 1, 1892. (See p. 49.) 

The necessity of a new forcing main from the Front-street Pumping 
Works to the Eden-Park reservoir, at a probable cost of $50,000, is 
referred to on p. 50. 

The facility of investigation offered to the Examiner by the officers 
and employees of the department is mentioned on p. 50. The task 


12 


Summary of Report of Examiner. 


of investigating a business that does not fall very far below a million 
of dollars a year, and the necessity of confining it to a few important 
matters of expenditures in 1891 and 1892, is referred to. 

A list of the various boards that have administered the affairs of the 
Waterworks during the last ten years is given on p. 51. 

The lack of good management is attributed largely to the constant 
change and the lack of experience of officers and employees, and the 
want of interest that naturally follows situations held on so precarious 
a tenure. 


REPORT OF SPECIAL EXAMINER. 


The Board of Review: 

Gentlemen , — I beg leave to report an examination of the affairs 
of the City Waterworks, made by your order. 

THE ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT SURVEY BILLS. 

The surveyors make out and deliver the bills of this class to the 
consumers in the six districts into which the city is divided. As the 
bills are collected semi-annually, it follows that the making of the 
bills, their delivery and collection, constitute a formula of business 
that occurs in one of these districts during each month throughout 
the year. 

A serious defect of the system is the unequal apportionment of the 
work between the months. The boundaries of the districts, as deter¬ 
mined upon many years ago, are still maintained. As certain parts of 
the city have increased more rapidly in population than others, the divi¬ 
sion has become so entirely out of date that during the first half of 
1892 the bills ranged from 2,685 t0 7>°76 during the different months. 
May and November have the smallest and June and December the 
largest number. 

It will be a matter of considerable difficulty and expense to re-adjust 
the districts so that the work will be more nearly equalized. Its 
•necessity can not be questioned. It fortunately happens that new 
books will not have to be made in lieu of the thirty-eight costly 
plat books that show the location of the hydrants and the street- 
connections. It is the general district plats only that will have to be 
replaced. 

The surveyors are required to inspect each house in their respective 
districts before making out new bills. Each of the six districts is sub¬ 
divided into six routes. The surveyors are transferred each month to 
a new district, and are surveyors of routes and not of districts. Each 



14 


Report of Special Examiner. 


man takes charge of a route of the same number in every month 
throughout the year. They are also charged with the duty of inquir¬ 
ing into the illegal use of water in their districts. 

The number of survey bills is nearly 58,000. 

Receipts from survey bills in 1890. 395,181 41 

Receipts from.survey bills in 1891. 462,253 16 

Increase. $67,071 75=17 per cent. 


METER BILLS. 

The income received for water measured by meters is about one 
fourth of the entire rent paid. 

Receipts by meter in 1890. 151,314 45 

Receipts by meter in 1891. 180,346 05 

Increase. $29,031 60=20 per cent. 

The minimum annual charge for a meter is twenty-five dollars. In 
the case of one fifth of the bills the measurement does not exceed this 
amount, and the monthly collection of the sum of $2.08 in each 
instance seems to create unnecessary work. The bills of this class 
could be reduced from 4,100 to 700 by collecting them as the survey 
bills are collected — semi - annually in advance — while the monthly 
inspection would, as it does now, reveal any consumption in excess 
of 1,850 cubic feet per month, the amount \ipon which the charge of 
twenty-five dollars is based. It would relieve the consumers of the 
troublesome duty of going twelve times a year to pay so insignificant 
a sum, but the change might, as insisted upon by the management, 
introduce an element of disorder into the service. A reduction of the 
limit of twenty-five dollars or its entire abolition are measures sug¬ 
gested by the consumers. 

The perfect meter is a machine yet to be invented, and it is claimed 
that unusual difficulties are encountered in the use of small meters, 
especially in Cincinnati, where deposits of mud interfere with the 
working of large meters. As the estimate of the water wasted and 
not used by the consumer is placed at sixty per cent, an effort should 
certainly be made to extend the meter service. 

The meters are furnished by the department, but paid for by the 
consumer, who is also required to pay the cost of repairs. A small 










Cincinnati Waterworks. 


15 


fractional amount in excess of cost is charged to guard against the 
possibility of loss. One result of this contract is that the consumer 
is tardy in reporting that his meter is out of order. It is clear that a 
meter acts as a check upon the consumer, and is an effective restraint 
upon wasteful consumption. The fact that a bill for $28 was pre¬ 
sented to a consumer for water lost by a leak, instead of his usual 
monthly bill of $2.08, shows, however, that it does not always serve 
this purpose. 

The advisability of providing meters at the cost of the department, 
in the manner that meters are furnished by gas companies, is an inter¬ 
esting subject of inquiry. At the present time a consumer, if he thinks 
it to his interest, puts in a meter at his own cost, and is permitted to 
select one from several forms of meter, made by four separate con¬ 
cerns. He is restrained, by the fact that he owns the apparatus and 
has been given a wide range of choice in selecting it, from making 
the complaints he would certainly make if the department owned the 
meter. 

The change might intensify the already strained relations between 
the department and the consumers, but its merits as a business propo¬ 
sition can not easily be set aside. In case of its adoption, some plan 
of adjusting the equities that would then exist in favor of the 1,600 
consumers who have already provided themselves with meters at their 
own cost would have to be devised. If the cost of these machines 
were allowed as a credit on the meter-rents of any one year, it would 
seriously embarrass the department. Its allowance in two or three 
annual installments would be no insignificant matter. 

ELEVATOR BILLS. 

The sum paid for this service is about one twelfth of the net re¬ 
ceipts for rents of all kinds. 

Receipts from elevators in 1890. 50,158 14 

Receipts from elevators in 1891. 60,222 63 

Increase. $10,064 49=20 per cent. 

Experience has shown that a meter can not be used to measure 
the water consumed in running an elevator. The impact that follows 
the sudden stoppage of the flow breaks the apparatus and prevents 
its use. The measurement is made by an indicator that registers 
the number of feet traveled by the piston as it moves through the 






16 


Report of Special Examiner. 


cylinder. The cog-wheels on the indicator are set in gear with a 
larger wheel that revolves by contact as it passes along a guiding- 
track. A direct loss in registering is caused, in many cases, by the 
grease used in the cylinder, which becomes diverted from its proper 
use, and either through carelessness or design is allowed to encumber 
the track. The grease weakens the friction upon which the revolution 
of the wheel depends; consequently the wheel slips in certain parts 
of the stroke without revolving on its axis. It happens, therefore, 
that while the piston is regularly pushed forward and water consumed, 
no registry is made on the indicator. Badly-packed piston-heads 
waste water in great quantity. Whatever amount happens to pass 
through the cylinder in this way remains unregistered on the indicator. 
The stopping off of water in the case of waste by owners of elevators 
is considered so severe a measure that the inspectors hesitate to 
enforce the penalty, and the loss continues at a rate that is no incon¬ 
siderable matter. 

While engaged in this examination I have had ample opportunities 
of noticing the work performed by the force engaged in assessing and 
collecting the rents. The complaints are many—the concessions few. 
I have seen nothing that has given me the idea that this branch of the 
service is carelessly administered. It is not to be supposed, however, 
that the sum of $2,300, considered by the average citizen as a species 
of tax, can be collected daily in small sums without considerable 
friction. The department is the one with which the people are the 
most frequently brought in contact. The altercations in regard to 
bills are frequent, and their effect is to render the officers uncon- 
ciliatory and unyielding in regard to every thing that concerns the 
consumers. 

The bills of all kinds for water-rent exceed 85,000 each year. 
The cases in which the sum charged is not collected are few in 
number and small in amount. In 1891 the uncollected survey bills 
amounted to $895.81. As the supply of water was, in each instance, 
cut off within thirty or sixty days, the actual loss was not one sixth 
of that sum. The uncollected meter bills during the same period 
were only $30.86, and the elevator bills $48.25. It follows that the 
entire amount lost by reason of uncollected bills during the year did 
not exceed $250, or one twenty-ninth of one per cent, in a total 
gross income from rents of $733,905.35, a fact that illustrates the 
extremely sharp way in which the administrators of the department 
look after the income. 






MX /&ts3 













Cincinnati Waterworks. 


17 


It has, of coarse, been impracticable to make any examination 
of the vast mass of bills against consumers made out by the depart¬ 
ment. I have, however, examined a few bills of each class, and have 
found them correctly made out and duly entered in the Consumption 
Book. 


EXPENDITURES. 

The income of the Waterworks is not, however, the feature of the 
management that demands special investigation. One does not have 
to go beyond the reports made by the department during the last ten 
years to comprehend the extraordinary increase .in its expenses. The 
facts are patent; they appear on every page; yet it may be assumed 
that the compilers of the reports have given the most favorable view 

of the situation that can be presented. In the table on page 38, in 

the report of 1891, the following statement is made: 

Pumping expenses, i8$2. 128,610 36 

Pumping expenses, 1891.466,380 42 

Increase. $ 337 ? 77 ° 06=264 P er cent. 

If a proportionate increase could be discovered in the service 
performed, the greater expense would be justified. That it is not is 
amply proven by the figures in the table on page 15. 

Water consumed in 1882. 7,127,369,260 gallons. 

Water consumed in 1891. 1 5 ? 373 ?5^3,266 “ 


Increase. 8,246,214,006=115 per cent. 

In other words, unlike any well-conducted private business, no 
economy has been found in the greater volume. The greater number 
of gallons has been pumped at an increased cost per gallon. 

An examination of these figures will show that the cost of pumping 
1,000 gallons was one cent and eighty-one hundredths (1.81) in 1882, 
and three cents and three hundredths (3.03) in 1891. The actual 
cost, in all probability, augmented in a still greater degree, as the in¬ 
crease in the consumption of water during the ten years did not 
actually exceed one hundred per cent. The reasons for this belief are 
given in the remarks made in regard to the official report of 1891. 










18 


Report of Special Examiner. 


THE OFFICIAL REPORT OF 1891. 

The report of the Waterworks Department for 1891 contains errors 
and discrepancies that are seen on very slight examination of its 


details. 

Page 49, cost of coal consumed in pumping.$ I 3 I >775 00 

Page 38, number of tons. 43*977 

Page 38, cost of coal, per ton. $2 80 

Page 38, daily average consumption in tons. 61.84 


If 43.997 tons cost $131,775, the average price per ton was 
$2.99. If 43,997 tons were consumed in 365 days, the daily average 
consumption was 120.48 The cost of the coal during the entire year 
is, however, approximately correct. The actual cost was $131,885.14, 
as will appear by reference to the detailed statement of the vouchers 
for coal delivered and paid for from January 1, 1891, to October 1, 
1892, attached hereto and marked “Exhibit A.” It will be seen that 
the aggregate number of tons is greatly at variance with the statement 


in the official report. 

Number of tons, as per vouchers. 53,186 

Number of tons, as stated in report. 43*997 

Difference. 9,189 


The explanation of this erroneous statement adequately exposes 
the extremely fallacious method that has been followed in making out 
the report. It need not, however, be assumed that any new formula 
was chosen, for the Superintendent merely followed the example set 
by his predecessors in office. All the reports for many years have 
been equally delusive and contain the same untrustworthy statistics. 

To return to the explanation given in regard to the report. In one 
of the columns of the table on page 38 is the following statement 
of coal consumed: 

Front Street. 

Hunt Street . 

Eighth Street 

94,111,628 “ 

These figures represent aggregates arrived at from a register of the 
wheelbarrow-loads of coal cast daily under the furnaces, a most mag¬ 
nificent formula of guess - work, when it is remembered that until 


84,970,200 pounds. 
8,064,501 “ 

1,076,927 














Cincinnati Waterworks. 


19 


recently the workmen guessed at the weight of each load. When this 
amount of 94,111,628 pounds is reduced to tons of 2,000 pounds 
each, the aggregate is 47,055 tons, a number greatly in excess of the 
43,997 tons stated in the report: but, nevertheless, it explains the 
erroneous statement of the cost of $2.80 per ton given (131,775 
divided by 47,055 equals 280). No explanation is, however, given 
of the blunder in regard to the average daily consumption—61.84 
tons, as stated on page 38 of the report—which, on the basis of the 
erroneous number of tons stated (43,997), reaches double that amount, 
viz., 120.48 tons. The actual daily consumption was, however, 
145.71 tons daily. On page 11 of the report the consumption per 
inhabitant is stated at 199.67 gallons per diem. This, however, is 
based on the consumption of the maximum day of the year—Septem¬ 
ber nth. The average, according to the average consumption claimed 
in the report, is 138.09 gallons per day for each inhabitant — a little 
more than two thirds of the amount stated. 

On page 10 the interest paid in 1891 is stated at $119,913.02, 
while on page 53 the amount is given $119,943.35. The discrepancy 
consists of $30.33, paid as interest on $14,000 borrowed from the 
Market National Bank. The remainder is wholly payments of interest 
on bonds. 

The statistics in regard to the water pumped can not be adopted 
as an accurate statement of the service performed. They are based 
on the record made by the indicators on the steam cylinders, a 
method of ascertaining the number of gallons pumped that is entirely 
delusive, notwithstanding the fact that it is in use in every pumping 
station in the country. The indicators undoubtedly give an exact 
record of the strokes made by each engine during the year, but what 
is needed in addition is an apparatus to measure the deficiency arising 
from the imperfect filling of the pumps. An engine may be started 
and fail to take water for an hour, yet the record of the indicator goes 
on the same as if work was actually being done. 

The Worthington engines have no fly-wheel and displace water to 
the extent of the stroke made, or give unmistakable signs of the 
interference of air. The full stroke of these pumps is fifty inches; 
but I found that one plunger was, by actual measurement, regu¬ 
larly descending forty-eight inches only, and the other but forty-four 
inches. Here is a deficiency of four per cent and twelve per cent 
in the pumps which have the slowest speed in the house—88 
and 96 feet per minute—against 160 feet in the Wetherill, 224 feet 


20 


Report of Special Examiner. 


in the Scowden, and 256 feet in the Harkness and Powell engines. 
What must the shortage be in the more rapidly-moving pumps ? The 
Worthington pumps are new; what must it be in the case of the old, 
worn pumps that give no sign as the fly-wheel carries the plunger to 
the full length of the stroke, whether the pumps are filled or not ? 

Even after a sufficient vacuum is attained, while the pumps are 
seemingly forcing water with clock-like regularity, sudden variations 
occur in the flow of the water passing into the reservoirs. No more 
certain indication of the uncertainty that attaches itself to these 
figures could be given. 

The information that I have gathered upon the subject leads me to 
believe that the actual number of gallons pumped each day does 
not, at a liberal estimate, exceed eighty per cent of the amount 
claimed in the^ reports. In other words, the consumption of water in 
1891 was about 33,500,000 gallons a day, instead of 42,119,406 
gallons, as stated on page 13 of the report; and 109 gallons per 
inhabitant per day represents the per capita, instead of 199.67 gallons, 
as set forth on the same page of this most misleading document. 

At the present time Mr. Tharp is preparing to measure the water 
flowing into the Eden-Park reservoir by means of a weir. It will be 
in service by the beginning of the new year. The plans are on file 
in the draughting office. It is claimed that the device will fulfill every 
scientific requirement. The form selected is rectangular; the section 
of the water behind the crest is comparatively small, and the dis¬ 
charge is at right angles to the direction of the flow. When it is put 
in use a more accurate measurement of the water pumped may be 
expected. Accurate measurement by means of a weir is, however, 
an extremely delicate matter. The head, or verticle distance to a 
point where the water is perfectly still, has to be ascertained with the 
greatest care—the deviation of the weir from an exact level must be 
known, as well as the velocity with which the water approaches, in 
order to compute the discharge. It is possible to measure the head 
within the one one-thousandth of a foot. If this degree of accuracy 
is not attained, the fraction of error augments and renders the com¬ 
putation worthless. 

In the report of 1891, page 15, the increase in the consumption 
of water is given as follows: 


1882. 7,127,369,260 gallons. 

1891. i 5 * 373 > 5 8 3 » 266 “ 

Difference. 8,246,214,006 “ 






Cincinnati Waterworks. 


21 


This increase is equal to 115 per cent, but there are statistics in 
regard to other matters in the report that cast a doubt on the accuracy 
of the statement. 

In the table on page 15 the following details are found: 


Number of service branches in 1882. 24,858 

Number of service branches in 1891. 36,754 

Increase. 11,896=48 per cent. 


Area of service branches in sq. inches in 1882. 12,349 
Area of service branches in sq. inches in 1891. 21,239 

Increase. 8,890=72 per cent. 

An allowance should be made for an increased ease of flow in 
addition to the mere proportionate increase in the area of the branches; 
but the enlargement of the average branch from .498 of a square 
inch in 1882 to .577 of a square inch in 1891 represents an increase 
of 34 per cent only, being the difference between the squares of their 
diameters. This fails to account for the difference between 72 and 
115 per cent, which amounts to 60 per cent. 

Another fact must be kept in mind: it is true that the statistics in 
regard to the consumption of water in 1882 are, without doubt, as 
delusive as those of 1891; but it must be remembered that in the 
interval between these years the old machinery, constituting the 
greater portion of the plant, naturally became reduced in efficiency in 
spite of all the care taken to preserve it and keep it in order. A care¬ 
ful examination of the question leads me to believe that the increase 
during the ten years named was under rather than over one hundred 
per cent, or an average annual increase over each preceding year of 
about nine per cent. 

To sum the matter up, it is impossible to accept any of the official 
statistics in regard to the water-delivery, or the consumption, which is 
the same*thing, less the loss by evaporation and leakage from the 
reservoirs. Each year, for many years, the exaggerated statements 
of previous administrations have been made the basis of the report 
and the measure of comparison. In order to preserve any reputation 
for good management, each Superintendent has been forced to make 
still greater exaggerations in regard to the service performed. It 
is time to halt and begin anew. Mr. Tharp has the opportunity. 
Measurement by a weir, if carefully attended to, will supply the 
needed means of correction. 








22 


Report of Special Examiner. 


COAL CONTRACTS. 

A contract for coal for one year, ending May i, 1891, was made 
with W. H. Brown & Sons at the rate of $1.87 per ton delivered at 
Front-street Works and $2.35 at Hunt-street Works. The specifica¬ 
tions upon which the contract was awarded are signed by Willis P. 
Tharp, Superintendent and Engineer; the bid of W. H. Brown & 
Sons is signed on their behalf by J. P. Bauer, Agent. A letter of 
the Superintendent, of date May 1, 1890, reported to the Board of 
Public Improvements that W. H. Brown & Sons were the lowest and 
best bidders, and recommended that a contract be entered into with 
them for the coal required at the Front- and Hunt-street stations. 
The form of contract printed on the specifications was filled out for 
signature, but was never signed either on behalf of the Board or of 
W. H. Brown & Sons; the refusal of the latter to sign having been 
made on the claim that no contract could be legally entered into 
unless the Auditor was able to certify that all the money appropriated 
under its terms was in the city treasury at the time. 

Messrs. W. H. Brown & Sons, as it appears from the vouchers, 
delivered coal at the two stations named, at the prices specified in 
their bid, until January following, when they sought to rid themselves 
of its obligations under the plea that they had delivered all they were 
required to deliver in accordance with the specifications—viz.: 30,000 
tons, more or less, at Front-street Works, and 3,000 tons, more or 
less, at Hunt-street Works. A supposed reversal of the conditions 
shows the exact value of the plea of Messrs. W. H. Brown & Sons. 
If the city had found 25,000 tons to be the full quantity required, 
could Messrs. W. H. Brown & Sons have compelled the department 
to accept 5,000 additional tons under the contract ? 

The Board of City Affairs referred the matter to their legal adviser 
and received the following reply : 

Office of the City Solicitor, j 

Cincinnati, January 26, 1891. J 

Honorable Board of City Affairs: 

Gentlemen ,—I am of opinion that W. H. Brown & Sons should be 
required to furnish coal to the Water Department for the term of one 
year. The specifications indicate that the supply is to be for one 
year, and that the amounts stated are only estimated quantities. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Theodore Horstman, 

City Solicitor . 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


23 


Meanwhile the Board of Public Improvements came back into 
power, and treated the contract as a nullity by advertising for pro¬ 
posals to be made by March 14, 1891, for coal for one year. The 
Superintendent, by letter of March 17, 1891, reported that the Con¬ 
solidated Coal and Mining Company were the lowest and best bidders, 
and recommended that a contract be made with them at $2.43 per 
ton at Front Street and $2.65 at Hunt Street. He further says: “I 
would call attention to the fact that at present we have no contract, 
and have been, for the last thirty days, buying coal from W. H. 
Brown & Sons at a price to be determined when the contract is let for 
next year’s supply, meaning such contracts as may be made on the 
present proposals.” 

On the same day, March 17, 1891, a suit was brought in the 
Common Pleas Court—No. 89,569, the State of Ohio on the relation 
of the Winifrede Coal Company against Louis Reemelin et al., con¬ 
stituting the Board of Improvements. The petition recites a bid for 
the delivery of coal at the Front-street Works at $2.37, and $2.50 at 
the Hunt-street Works, and asks for a mandamus compelling the 
Board to award the contract to the relators. 

On the following day, March 18, 1891, another suit was brought 
in same court—No. 89,563—by Clarence H. Jones, a tax-payer, 
against Edwin Stevens, Comptroller, and Henry Ziegler, Treasurer 
of the city of Cincinnati. The petition states the terms of the bid 
of the Winifrede Coal Company; the refusal of the Board to contract 
with said company; and further refers to a contract on behalf of the 
Waterworks Department with W. H. Brown & Sons, of February 15, 
1891, and asks for a restraining order against the defendants, forbid¬ 
ding them to pay any money to W. H. Brown & Sons on account 
of this new contract. Nevertheless, the Board of Public Improve¬ 
ments, on March 27, 1891, approved a voucher, No. 4,645, duly signed 
by the Superintendent, for the payment of fifty six cents per ton in 
excess of $1.87, the contract price of May 1, 1890, already paid on all 
bills (vouchers Nos. 4,442, 4,45L 4,45 2 , 4,474, 4,475, 4 55 2 ) for coal 
delivered after February 1, 1891, at the Front-street Works, amounting 
to (4,359^^ tons at .56) $2,441.43, and thirty cents per ton in 
excess of contract price of May 1, 1890, at $2.35 for coal (vouchers 
Nos. 4,550, 4,553, 4,608) delivered at Hunt-street Works, amounting 
to (203^tons at .30) $61.09; the total excess payment being 
$2,502.52. This large sum was ordered to be paid in violation of the 
terms of a contract that did not expire until the 1st of May following, 
and in defiance of the opinion of the City Solicitor to the contrary. 



24 


Report of Special Examiner. 


Notwithstanding the injunction issued by the court, the Comptroller 
issued his warrant, and the money was paid by the Treasurer the same 
day, March 27, 1891, nine days after the service of the restraining 
order. The plea of inadvertence and mistake was offered by the 
defendants as an apology for their conduct, and a small fine of twenty- 
five dollars was imposed by the court on each defendant. The first 
suit brought, that of the Winifrede Coal Company, was finally dismissed, 
October 8, 1891, at plaintiff’s costs, Judge Maxwell holdi™ that the 
fact that their bid included matters not contained in the specifications 
issued by the Waterworks Department—viz., an exemption from their 
obligation to deliver coal in case of miners’ strikes, and a stipulation 
that the coal should be taken at elevator weights—which took away 
from them all right to demand an award of the contract. 

On March 28, 1891, The Consolidated Coal and Mining Company 
began to deliver coal at the Front- and Hunt-street Works at the rates 
named in their bid, and continued to make delivery until June 13, 
1891, when the Superintendent refused to receive their coal on 
account of its not being equal to the requirements of the contract. 
(See copy of letter of Willis P. Tharp, June 1, 1891, attached hereto, 
marked “ Exhibit B.”) 

Their deliveries ceased until July 20, 189T. During this time, 
however, the two pumping stations named were supplied by W. H. 
Brown & Sons and Sol. P. Kineon, the latter being one of the sureties 
named by The Consolidated Coal and Mining Company in their bid 
made, under the proposals of March 17th. The prices—viz., $3.00 
per ton from June 15th to June 27th, and $2.90 after that time—were, 
it should be noted, in excess of the prices stipulated in the contract 
of The Consolidated Coal and Mining Company. In other words, 
instead of arranging to bring suit against the surety, the board pro¬ 
ceeded to buy coal from him at an advanced price. 

Under this arrangement Brown delivered 484 ^^ tons at Front 
Street; Kineon 484^-$# at Front Street and 58^^ at Hunt Street; 
all at $3.00. Kineon delivered 3,232^^ tons at Front Street and 
340 at Hunt Street, both at $2.90. The excess payments thus 
made were as follows: 


Brown. 484.666 tons at 57 cents. 276 06 


Kineon. 484.1720 “ 

Kineon.3,232.1485 “ 

Kineon. 58.718 “ 

Kineon. 340.165 “ 


4 . 6 o°!-VA tons. 


57 “ *76 37 

47 “ 1 , 5*9 12 

35 “ 19 55 

30 “ IO 22 


$2,101 32 














Cincinnati Waterworks. 


25 


This sum of $2,101.32 was paid by the city by reason of the failure 
of the contracting company to furnish coal in the required quality. 

The contract of The Consolidated Coal and Mining Company on 
file bears no date; the bond is also without date; no date of contract 
is named in the bond, and the sole indications are the affidavit of 
Sol. P. Kineon and W. Austin Goodman, the sureties, that they were 
severally worth ten thousand dollars, dated July 10, 1891. The 
Auditor approved the sureties July n, 1891. Alex. McDonald was 
first offered as a suia^ on tl ' bond, but W. Austin Goodman was 
substituted when the bond was signed. 

The irregularities in the coal contracts were not, however, con¬ 
fined to the year 1891, but extend into 1892. A comparison of the 
price of nut and slack coal in vouchers Nos. 5,666 and 5,852 with 
Nos. 5,714, 5,717, 5,724, 5,746, 5,786, 5,8510, 5,851^, 5,860, 5,879, 
5,921, and 5,923 will make this statement obvious. In the first two 
bills the price is $1.75 per ton, while in the eleven vouchers that 
follow it is $1.93. In January, 1892, The Consolidated Coal and 
Mining Company was still engaged in carrying out its contract of 
March, 1891, for one year, which related to second-pool Youghiogheny 
only, and did not cover nut and slack coal. The city was therefore 
under no legal obligations to buy that particular kind of coal from the 
company. 

The first bill for nut and slack coal—No. 5,666—is from W. H. 
Brown & Sons, and specifies the delivery of 271 tons 290 pounds at 
the Front-street Pumping Works January 25, 1892, at $1.75 per ton. 
This bill is sufficient evidence that the parties in charge considered 
they were free to buy nut and slack coal from any one who could 
furnish it. The voucher is followed by Nos. 5,714, 5,717, 5,724, 
5,746, and 5,786, which show that 1,183 tons 85 pounds nut and 
slack coal were bought from The Consolidated Coal and Mining 
Company at $1.93 per ton. February 9, 1892, a second bill of 
W. H. Brown & Sons—No. 5,852 —is found, by which it appears that 
124 tons 1,210 pounds were bought at $1.75 per ton. This voucher 
is followed by six bills of The Consolidated Coal and Mining Com¬ 
pany for 1,063 tons 7 xo pounds at $1.93. These bills bring the 
history of the coal transactions down to March 28, 1892, when W. H. 
Brown & Sons began to deliver nut and slack under their contract for 
the ensuing twelve months at $1.63 a ton. 

An examination of this series of vouchers will show that 2,246 
tons 795 pounds of nut and slack coal were delivered and paid for in 


26 


Report of Special Examiner. 


January, February, and March, 1892, at this higher price—viz., $1.93 
a ton. The excess payment on 2,246 tons 795 pounds, at 18 
cents a ton, amounts to $404.35. It is clear that The Consolidated 
Coal and Mining Company had no exclusive right to deliver nut and 
slack coal at $1.93 a ton, or at any other price. The readiness of 
W. H. Brown & Sons to take a yearly contract at $1.63, or thirty 
cents a ton less than the price paid to The Consolidated Coal and 
Mining Company, is excellent evidence that $1.75, the price paid for 
the two lots furnished by the first named parties in January and 
February, would, in the absence of a regular yearly contract, have 
been an ample price for the 2,246 tons 795 pounds delivered. 

I would also like to call attention to the fact that three of these 
vouchers—viz.: No. 5,714 for $585.94, No. 5,717 for $636.01, and 
No. 5,724 for $619.64—are in excess of $500, and clearly bring the 
members of the Board of Administration and the Superintendent of 
the Waterworks under the provisions of “An act to regulate the award 
of contracts and for other purposes in cities of the first grade of the 
first class,” passed March 21, 1887. The violation of the law is com¬ 
plete, and there was no attempt to evade its provisions, as in the case 
of the vouchers for lead, that will be hereafter set forth. 

In the vouchers for coal furnished by W. H. Brown & Sons and 
Sol. P. Kineon in June and July, 1891, especial care was taken that 
no bill should exceed $500 in amount. In fact, I found the chief 
difficulty in checking off the records of the coal delivered at that 
time was due to the remarkable fashion in which the figures that rep¬ 
resented the weights of certain loads of coal had been deducted from 
the receipts of one day and added to those of another, in order to 
bring the bills within the required limit. The tangle at first seemed 
inextricable, but with the explanations of Mr. Talbot the difficulties 
were at last overcome, and I finally became satisfied that his weights 
corresponded with those rendered in the bills. 

Copies of eight letters addressed by Mr. Tharp to the Pittsburgh 
Coal Company, between March 22d and June 6th, 1892, are hereto 
attached, marked “Exhibit C.” This correspondence sufficiently 
illustrates the difficulties encountered by the officers acting on behalf 
of the city, and the necessity of persistent effort in compelling the 
contractors to furnish written evidence of their agreements. The 
contract was once returned to the department unsigned, and it was 
not until after the seventh letter and an interval of two months and 
a half that it was received by the Superintendent with the signatures 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


27 


of the contractors. However, it may be noted that the contract in 
question is the only one on file in which all the details have been 
strictly attended to. For evidence of the careless manner in which the 
business has been conducted, see the copies of the contracts set forth 
in Exhibits “D,” “E,” and “F,” attached hereto. 

The conditions of supply at the Front-street Works are imperative. 
Whether contracts have been made or not, whether contractors may 
be unwilling to deliver coal in the required quantity or of the quality 
stipulated in their agreements, the exigencies of the situation must be 
met. The case becomes one in which “necessity knows no law,” and 
immediate action alone can avoid the consequences of shutting down 
the works. 

A review of the entire series of coal contracts does not suggest 
pleasing matters of reflection. The obstinate refusal of the successful 
bidders to sign the agreements they had agreed to make, the omis¬ 
sions in the contracts when signed, the loop-holes left for the sureties 
on the bond, all seem to indicate an unpraiseworthy desire to place 
the city in a position in which it would be required to take the coal, 
while the contractors would be relieved from any binding obligation 
to deliver it. 


Details of Coal Bills in 1891 (twelve months). 


1 

Tons. 

Cost. 

Front-street Works. 

48 , 355.47 
4,l8l. 1760 
649.555 

118,672 97 
11,030 81 
1,589 04 

Hunt-street Works. 

Eighth-street Works. 



53 , I 86 ,j 3 flVo 

131,292 82 

Office. 

56.1800 

17. CIO 

171 00 
143 06 

Machine-shops. 

Hydrant service. 

0 / 

A 

Twelfth-street Yard. 

■ 

42 

11 

11 00 

124 50 

34 00 
18 75 
14 25 
59 26 
16 50 

Charles-street Yard. 

Price-Hill tank. 

6 cco 

Mt. Auburn tank. 

a nnc 

Eden-Park reservoir. 

l6 72 ^ 

Stables.. 

1 i j 

6 




53 > 37 °iVVtr 

$131,885 14 



























28 


Report of Special Examiner. 


Details of Coal Bills in 1892 (nine months, to October 1st). 


Front-street Works. 

Tons. 

Cost. 

32,089.120 
3,668.353 
465.670 

66,106 68 
8,922 10 
I,i 97 25 

Hunt-street Works. 

Eighth-street Works. 

Office. 

36,222^ 

28.1800 

17.600 

44 - 45 ° 

1 

5 - 5 °° 

2 

2 

4.400 

76,226 03 

81 00 
63 20 
126 61 

3 °° 
18 38 

5 42 

6 00 
12 05 

Machine-shop. 

Twelfth-street Yard. 

Price-Hill tank. 

Mt. Auburn tank. 

Eden-Park reservoir. 

Third-street reservoir.,. 

Mt. Hope... 


36,327^ 

$76,541 69 


CONSUMPTION OF FUEL AT FRONT-STREET WORKS. 

An encouraging feature is found in the marked decrease in the 
quantity and also the cost of the coal used at the Front-street Pumping 
Works during the present year. A comparative statement for the 
nine months ending September 30th is derived from an analysis of the 
bills set forth in “Exhibit A.” 

1891 . 37>465 tons 427 pounds. 92,208 91 

1892 . 32*089 “ 120 “ 66,106 68 

Decrease. 5*376 “ 307 “ $26,102 23 

The reduction in the amount of coal consumed is 14.30 per cent 
and the decrease in its cost 28.30 per cent. Should the same per¬ 
centages continue until the close of the year, the saving will be 6,933 
tons 533 pounds of coal, and the cost will be reduced in the sum 
of $33,592.55. The decrease in the number of tons of coal con¬ 
sumed is the important matter of consideration; the cost of the coal 
for the year is an accidental fact, dependent on the price at which the 
department is able to make the contract. 

In carrying on this inquiry the question follows whether the 
diminished consumption of coal is accompanied by a falling off in the 
service performed. Has the amount of water pumped in 1892 been 
less than in 1891? If the records of the Front-street Pumping 
Station be taken as true, there has been a marked decrease in the 







































Cincinnati Waterworks. 29 


water delivery during the nine months ending September 30, 1892. 
The record is as follows : 


Engine No. 4. 

“ “ 5 . 

“ “ 6. 

1891 . 

1892 . 

Revolutions. 

Gallons. 

Revolutions. 

Gallons. 

5,054.001 
! 5,290,002 
230,078 
3,396,288 
4 ,H 4 , 58 i 
1,960,522 
132,960 
1,171,172 

1, 344,43 2 

1,010 800,200 
1,084,450,410 
138,046,800 

I,I 54737<920 
1 , 409 , 157,540 
7 I 5 > 590,530 
48,530,400 
822,748,340 
944,463,480 
4,404,090,008 

5 , 3 2 3,403 

5,070.366 

1,064,680,600 

1 , 039 , 425,030 

“ “ 7 . 

“ 8.1 

“ “ Q. 

3 , 879.753 

4 » 35 I ,466 

1,319,126,020 

1 , 479 , 498,440 

“ “ IO. 

“ “ II. 

4 , 420.313 

1,613,414,245 

“ “ 12. 

Auxiliary. 

3,631,320 

2,551,002,300 
1 , 345 , 329,592 

Decrease. 



22,724,036 

11,732,615,628 

10,412,476,227 

26,676,621 

10,412,476,227 

1,320,139,401 

= 11.25 per cent. 




This comparative falling off in the service performed appears in the 
record in despite of the fact that there was a great increase in the 
number of revolutions made by the nine engines in the pumping 
room, and also in the number of gallons claimed to be pumped by 
them. 

Engines Nos. 4 to 12 inclusive: 



Revolutions. 

Gallons. 

1891 . 

22,724,036 

7,328,525,620 

1892. 

26,676,621 

9,067,146,635 

Increase . 

3,95 2 ,585—i7,39 per cent. 

1,738,621,015=23.72 per cent. 


The decrease is in the returns of the auxiliary engines. 


Six engines 1891... 

Hours. 

Gallons. 

Gallons 
per hour. 

34 ,oi 2 

9,742 

4,004,090,008 

1 , 345 , 3 * 9,592 

129,486 

* 38,095 

Five engines 1892. 



It may be noted that Auxiliary No. 3, an engine of much less 
capacity than the other five machines in the plant, was not in service 
during the present year. The absence of its return from the record 






















































30 


Report of Special Examiner. 


may be taken as an explanation of the increase in the number of 
gallons pumped per hour in 1892. 

The figures of the official report, as has been already seen, are not 
to be accepted when they favor the management; but in the present 
case it does not require a very long investigation to see that when 
they are against it they are equally unreliable. It happens that there 
is an abundance of collateral evidence as to the amount of water 
pumped in 1892 and 1891. The record of the depth of water in the 
Eden-Park reservoir, kept in the Seventh-street office, from reports 
made hourly by telephone, is conclusive. It requires but a few 
minutes inspection to be convinced that the water has been main¬ 
tained at a greater height during the present year than during the 
season of 1891. It has been kept throughout the entire year very 
near the level at which it flows over the wall disconnecting its two 
great divisions, while in 1891 it was frequently far from being full. 
Increased depth of water in the reservoir, by reason of the augmented 
pressure, necessarily caused an increase in consumption. Greater 
height, therefore, indicates that a relatively still larger quantity was 
delivered. 

The “Application Book” shows that 992 new service branches 
were put in during the nine months ending September 30, 1892. 
From all these facts the conclusion must be drawn that an increased 
amount of water was consumed in 1892, that approximated to the 
average annual increase which, as already has been said, probably 
amounts to nine per cent. 

The water has undoubtedly been pumped; how are we to account 
for a fact so contrary to the official statistics ? 

The increased delivery may, in general terms, be attributed to the 
fact that the engines within the house were in better order in 1892 
than in 1891. This undoubtedly was the case. As their revolutions 
were increased, the explanation suffices. There is however, another 
way of explaining the matter, or at least of giving a reason for the 
predominance of the record of 1891 in defiance of the fact. The 
auxiliary engines were, in the nine months in 1891, in commission 
during the whole period, and during three months only in 1892. If 
there is a serious blunder in the statistics as to the water pumped by 
these engines, it is clear that 1892 would suffer in the comparison, as 
there would be a greater share of exaggeration injected into the record 
of 1891. The amount of water assumed to be pumped by the auxiliary 
engines can not be correct, for otherwise it would not embarrass the 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


31 


statistics, and come back to the discomfiture of the official record, as 
it does in the present instance. To admit the claims made on behalf 
of these engines would be to suppose their average piston speed 
(24 inch stroke, forty to forty-five revolutions) to be 170 feet per 
minute, and a full stroke at each revolution. A large margin of 
deficiency should certainly be allowed. 

The prime cause of this extraordinary reduction in the consumption 
of fuel is the feed-water heater, first put in operation in the beginning 
of January of the present year. The heaters call for no additional 
consumption of fuel; the exhaust steam is utilized to raise the tem¬ 
perature of the water fed to the boilers. Why an apparatus of this 
kind was not introduced into the works long before does not appear. 
Mr. Tharp modestly disclaims any great credit for introducing so 
obvious a means of reducing the enormous coal bills of the depart¬ 
ment, but it is certain that the omission to have it done at an earlier 
date reflects no credit on the administration of his predecessors. 

The good effects of the device can be ascertained by means of a 
calculation based on the temperature of the feed-water. Eleven 
hundred and forty-six units of heat (Fahrenheit) are required to raise 
water from thirty-two degrees to the boiling-point. The mean average 
temperature throughout the year of the water taken from the Ohio 
River at the Waterworks is sixty-two degrees, or thirty degrees above 
the freezing-point. Consequently without the use of a heater eleven 
hundred and sixteen units of heat (1146—30=1116) are required to 
raise steam at the pumping house. With both heaters in use, as I am 
informed by Mr. Meredith, the water is delivered in the boilers at 
one hundred and ninety-seven degrees, or at a temperature one 
hundred and thirty-five degrees (197—62=135) higher than its aver¬ 
age temperature in the river. The conclusion must be that as 135 
is 12.09 per cent of 1,116, therefore this percentage expresses the 
saving due to the use of the heaters. This, however, is the maximum 
economy, as a temperature of one hundred and ninety-seven degrees 
in the feed-water requires that both heaters should be used. When 
one only is used, the temperature is, as I am able to state from my 
own observation, one hundred and seventy degrees. It follows in 
that case that the saving is less (170—62=108). As 108 is but 9.67 
per cent of 1,116, this lesser percentage is the minimum saved by 
the device. On account of the repairs not infrequently required by 
one or the other of the two engines that supply the exhaust steam 
used in the heaters, the actual saving, therefore, lies between 9.67 


32 


Report of Special Examiner. 


per cent and 12.09 per cent, being very much nearer the latter than 
the former figure. 

In either case a difference exists between this amount and the 
14.30 per cent of economy in the number of tons of coal consumed; 
that has been demonstrated by the bills. In a general way, the cause 
of this excess may be largely attributed to the use of the Stirling 
boilers, also introduced into the works about the first of January, 
1892. The battery consists of five boilers, each of a rated capacity 
of 240 horse-power. Their low cost may be offset by the fact that 
they are comparatively short-lived, but their capacity to raise steam 
at a greatly reduced cost does not admit of doubt. Their chief merit 
is that nut and slack coal can be burned in the furnaces at a cost of 
$1.63 per ton, in the place of lump coal costing $2.21 per ton. I 
have been unable to procure any data as to whether these boilers 
increase the number of tons of coal consumed and make the saving 
by reducing its cost, or whether the amount of coal used is lessened 
as well as the cost. If the first assumed condition holds good, Mr. 
Tharp can be credited with a certain portion of the saving in the cost 
that can in that case be justly added to the exact statement of the 
14.30 per cent reduction in the number of tons. 

If any additional reason is required for the reduction in the coal 
bills at the Front-street Works, it may be found in the fact that the 
auxiliary plant boilers outside the pumping house were used in three 
months only out of the nine months in 1892. It may be remarked 
that these boilers call for an extravagant use of coal, justified only by 
the exceptional conditions under which they were first introduced, 
and the necessities of the works that have kept them in commission. 

CONSUMPTION OF FUEL AT HUNT - STREET WORKS. 

The comparative statement of the coal consumed at the Hunt- 
street Pumping Station for the nine months ending September 30th 
is as follows: 

1891 . 3,297 tons 1,685 pounds. 8,688 10 

1892 . 3,560 “ 1,718 “ . 8,637 71 

Increase. 263 “ 33 “ Decrease. $50 39 

The increase in the coal consumed is 8.58 per cent; but, owing to 
the more favorable contracts for the present year, the amount paid for 
it has slightly decreased. An increase in the duty performed fully 
accounts for the increase in the consumption of coal. Extra service 











Cincinnati Waterworks. 


38 


was performed in response to the demands made on the station during 
the summer of 1892. The records kept at the pumping house clearly 
show the difficulty of keeping up the supply in the months of June, 
July, August, and September. Unlike the records of the Front-street 
Pumping House, the statistics kept at the Hunt-street Works can be 
considered as entirely accurate returns of the service performed. This 
arises from the wholly different conditions under which the work is 
done. At Hunt Street the water is not lifted, but is received by direct 
pressure from the mains leading from the Eden-Park reservoir. As 
the supply is received under an average pressure of twenty pounds to 
the inch, in addition to atmospheric pressure, the pumps are com¬ 
pletely filled at every stroke. 


January .. 
February. 
March ... 
April...., 

May.. 

June.. 

July. 

August.. ., 
September. 


18 01 . 

104,855,640 gallons 
92,244,108 “ 

100,697,272 “ 

105,065,628 “ . 

129,469,724 
128,005,024 “ 

143,562,384 “ . 

* 37 > 579 , 5 2 ° “ • 

126,740,480 “ 


18 0 2 . 

102,507,776 gallons. 
97 » 533 > 7 5 2 
io 3 > 8 7 2 > 7 8 4 
111,621,468 “ 

I2 7 > 43 8 > 88 4 
146,180,352 
172,708,796 “ 

176,951,600 “ 

I 53 > 737 > x 3 2 “ 


1,068,219,780 “ .1,192,552,544 “ 

These figures show an increase of 11.63 per cent in the amount 
of water consumed. As this percentage exceeds the increase in the 
consumption of coal (8.58 per cent), the works have been more 
economically conducted in 1892 than in 1891. 

The engines at Hunt Street made more revolutions to the minute 
during the summer of 1892 than in the same period in 1891, so that 
the conditions were more burdensome, as will be seen by the follow¬ 
ing statement, taken from the books of the pumping house: 



1891 

1892 


Hours. 

Revolutions. 

Hours. 

Revolutions. 

June. 

625.55 

560,004 

620.05 

571,017 

J ul y. 

651.20 

560,764 

671.20 

648,632 

August. 

646.50 

537.420 

686.20 

676,032 

September. 

618.25 

485,080 

633 05 

601,529 


2,542.30 

2,093,268 

2,604. 5° 

2,497,210 











































34 


Report of Special Examiner. 


By a comparison of the columns of this table it will be seen that 
during the months named the speed was increased in 1892 to 15.97 
revolutions per minute, against 13.65 revolutions per minute during 
the same months in 1891. The relative economy of fuel was conse¬ 
quently attained, notwithstanding the greater steam pressure required 
to run the engines at increased speed. 

It may be information in the nature of a surprise to state that the 
machinery in the Hunt-street Works is over twenty years old, and 
consequently entirely out of date. The forcing power required is 
enormous, as the water has to be delivered at the top of the stand¬ 
pipe in the Mt. Auburn tank, at the extraordinary height of 311 feet 
above the sill in the door of the pumping house. The pressure of a 
column of water of that height, at rest, amounts to 135 pounds per 
square inch. With the friction due to the action of the pumps, in 
general use, it reaches 152 pounds. With the additional friction that 
follows, when the Worthington pumps are also used, it rises to 170 
and 175 pounds. The direct connection of the force mains with the 
delivery mains in the streets, in addition, introduces uncertain elements 
in the return pressure on the pumps that continually test the integrity 
of the valves and wear out the machinery, to the hazard of the 
supply. 

It may be remarked that in the comparison between the years 
named 1892 has no advantage (at Hunt Street) over 1891 in regard 
to heating the water fed to the boilers, as a heater that delivers the 
water at a temperature of 180 degrees has been in use in the works for 
many years. 

The Hunt-street Pumping Works supply coal to the Mt. Auburn 
tank, Elsinore, and the extension service. It is furnished on applica¬ 
tion without a written requisition. The amount is small and has not 
exceeded a dozen tons each year; but the rule should be imperatively 
enforced that no one in charge of supplies should be required by 
custom or otherwise to give up possession of the same except upon 
a written order. If the urgency is so great that it is impracticable 
at the time to procure an order from the proper officer, it should 
afterward be obtained and filed in the works as a receipt. This 
want of system stands in the way of a correct accounting in the 
office for the consumption of supplies in the various departments 
of the service. 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


35 


THE FRONT-STREET PUMPING WORKS. 

This house is chiefly known abroad as a museum in which the 
remains of a number of ambitious projects, devised by misguided 
engineers, are kept as object-lessons for their successors. These speci¬ 
mens of ill-directed skill and fine workmanship are the legitimate 
outcome of a local concentration of ideas that failed to take account 
of types of engines and pumps devised and tested elsewhere—it may 
be added, at the expense of other municipalities. The city has paid 
dearly for a series of experiments dominated largely by individual 
vanity and the desire of making something monumental. Engineer^ 
ing experts differ as to details, but they agree in saying that each 
machine shows the entire inability of its designer to exhibit on a 
large scale whatever capacity he may have had to design one on a 
small scale. 

Ill adapted as the machines are for the work they are intended to 
do, or at least to perform it economically, one soon discovers on in. 
quiry that they have the merit of being documentary evidence of the 
highest order. They are supposed to illustrate all the faults that 
machinery of their class can possibly have. In one the dimensions 
of the steam cylinders is said to exceed the size required for the pump; 
in another the defect is reversed. In five out of nine engines on the 
floor of the house, the stroke of the piston is, according to modern 
ideas, disproportionately long for the diameter. The engine of the 
greatest size, the “Shields,” has the gravest defect. From consider¬ 
ations of safety, a clearance variously reported from fifteen inches to 
two feet must be maintained at the end of the stroke. As a conse¬ 
quence, there is a waste of live steam sufficient to run the Harkness 
and Powell engines, and leave a large surplus in addition. In these 
engines, the two oldest in the house, the air-pumps for the condensers 
are so preposterously large that a good share of the power used is 
required to operate them. They are steam-wasters of the first-class, 
and rival the Scowden engines in this respect. 

If the catalogue of the defects in the engines of home construction 
does not sustain the charge in the indictment, the machines designed 
abroad may supply the deficiency. In one engine the pumps were 
inefficient, and had to be reconstructed at great cost. The larger 
engine and pump—the most scientifically-designed machine in the 
house—is, from the length of its attachments and the difficulty of 
maintaining the alignment of its sections, liable to a breakage that has 


36 


Report of Special Examiner. 


crippled it for months at a time. The consequences of a fracture 
of its piston-rod are startling as well as costly. 

Material parts have been taken out and new ones devised and sub¬ 
stituted in nearly every machine in the house. To these unfortunate 
conditions must be added the defective foundations which support 
seven of the nine engines on the floor of the engine-room. One has 
a framework of iron inadequate to support its weight and counteract 
the strain due to the movement of its piston and fly-wheel. 

With the exception of the Worthington and Wetherill engines, the 
machinery does not conform to modern ideas. These engines are the 
only ones in the house worked by double expansion, and their cylin¬ 
ders are the only ones provided with steam jackets. Triple expansion, 
with its saving from eighteen to twenty-four per cent over double 
expansion, has not been attempted. If steam at a pressure of 170 
pounds to the inch could be had, the experiment should be made. 
This means a new battery of boilers, for without it the best effects 
of triple expansion would be unattainable. With triple expansion 
engines an enormous saving in fuel might be hoped for. Indepen¬ 
dently of the economy, the situation is grave, for the city is never 
removed from the peril of a water famine by more than a week’s time. 

I hoped to be able to present an estimate of the number of pounds 
of coal used, per indicated horse-power, per hour. Mr. Meredith 
has, however, been engaged in starting the engines at the Mount Hope 
Pumping Station, and was unable to take the diagrams upon which 
the calculation would have to be based. If his estimate of the horse¬ 
power in the house is not entirely incorrect, six, if not seven, pounds 
of coal per horse-power per hour were consumed in 1891. The varia¬ 
tion between this rate of consumption and the results achieved by 
triple expansion engines, ranging from 1.33 to 1.87 pounds per hour, 
per indicated horse power, shows a frightful waste of coal by the use 
of antiquated engines, under a system which always patches up and 
repairs, to avoid the purchase of new machinery. 

The question in regard to the introduction of triple expansion 
engines is an interesting one. The condition under which the work 
is done at the Front-street Works are peculiar, and these inherent 
difficulties supplement the ordinary ones that interfere with the working 
of hydraulic machines. A consideration more general, however, 
presents itself. The Worthington engine was built by makers of 
great reputation and vast experience, guided also by the highest 
scientific knowledge, as one can see by a glance at its well-designed 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


37 


steam cylinders and noble surface condenser. One fact in regard 
to it is obvious, and it is easily seen separates it from all the other 
engines in the house; its piston speed at twelve revolutions is but 
eighty-eight to ninety-six feet per minute. The pump is large; but 
is this slow movement a necessary condition in a hydraulic machine ? 
As triple expansion is in marine engines always coupled with great 
piston speed—sometimes reaching 800 feet or more per minute—the 
inquiry naturally follows, Can triple expansion at low speed achieve 
the same economic results as in marine engines moving at high 
speed ? 

One important fact should be noted: the inefficiency in the appa¬ 
ratus is largely confined to the hydraulic parts of the machines. If 
the steam engines showed the effect of time and usage in a corre¬ 
sponding degree, the condition of the Front-street Works would be 
deplorable indeed. The cost of the repairs to the pumps is enormous 
and disproportionately large in the larger machines. In fact, the in¬ 
ference is strong, that pumps that exceed twenty-two or twenty-four 
inches in diameter are operated at a cost of delay and expense for 
repairs and repacking that largely offsets, if it does not entirely over¬ 
balance, the supposed advantages derived from their greater size. The 
huge dimensions of the castings required when any important part is 
broken make heavy drafts on the receipts of the department. A 
section of the largest pump in daily use calls for nine months’ time 
to make and dry the enormous construction of brick and plaster 
demanded for its reproduction. 

The smaller engines and pumps in the auxiliary plant, hastily 
gathered together in an emergency, and also those in the pumping- 
boat house, have unquestionably performed good service. There is 
sufficient evidence to support a good part of the claims set up on 
behalf of these engines, in despite of the distrust which the record of 
their performance naturally inspires. The economy with which they 
are operated is quite another matter. They undoubtedly pump water 
in great quantity, and after breakage are soon again in commission; 
but the work is not cheaply done, and can not be under the conditions 
under which it is performed. The steam is raised in costly fashion, 
in locomotive boilers that are necessarily placed at a great distance 
from the engines. These boilers do not supply the steam-pressure 
required, and a connecting pipe from the main battery of boilers 
within the house furnishes the additional pressure that is needed to do 
the work. There is a considerable loss due to the great length of pipe 


38 


Report of Special Examiner. 


through which the steam travels, that is an important factor that adds 
greatly to the cost of running the auxiliary plant. The comparatively 
greater cost of operating steam engines of small size, added to the fact 
that the boiler-pressure of 120 pounds falls to no pounds at the gauge 
near the engines, unquestionably overbalances the advantages derived 
from the greater ease with which the engines and pumps can be taken 
apart, re-packed, and repaired. 

In this matter, as in most other things, the medium between the 
petty and the gigantic becomes the better object of attainment. While 
it is true that economy in the use of steam power increases with in¬ 
creased dimensions in the engines, the statement is to be accepted only 
with the proviso that the larger engine shall be as fortunately pro¬ 
portioned in all its parts and as well designed in every respect as its 
smaller competitor. Increased dimensions in the pumps can be attained 
only under precisely similar conditions; increased size carries with it 
equal hazards. In either pump or engine a very small fraction of 
error is likely to produce extremely disastrous results. Stupendous 
size opens the way for stupendous blunders; and it might be advisable 
in the future to remember that the object of a waterworks is not to 
astonish the occasional visitor, but to pump water at the lowest 
possible cost to the consumer. 

I have seen nothing at the Front-street Works that has given me the 
idea of neglect. The machinery is in charge of careful, intelligent 
men, who take pride in their work and keep their engines in perfect 
order. When occasion demands, Mr. Meredith is on duty day and 
night, without sleep or rest, until the difficulty is overcome. Mr. 
Tharp’s personal oversight and the efforts he has made in times of peril 
and threatened disaster are too well known to need to be repeated 
here. The plant is an immensely valuable one in the sense of its 
necessity to the welfare of Cincinnati. The citizens who think it is in 
the hands of political bummers are entirely in the wrong; but this opinion 
does not prevent me from having very positive convictions in regard 
to the faults of its management. One thing is felt and seen every¬ 
where about the works; it is the exclusive dominance of the ideas 
of the practical man. A disregard of scientific knowledge is freely 
expressed and the expert engineer has no standing in court. While 
the shortcomings of theoretical knowledge must be admitted, it is the 
union of the ideas of the practical and the scientific man that produces 
the best economic results. Mr. Tharp is a man of great energy, will, 
and honesty of character as well as intelligence, and a change in his 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


39 


philosophy, his way of looking at things, as one might say, will make 
him entirely the right man in the right place. 

In the past there seems to have been little that was either scientific 
or practical. It seems incredible that a building in which heavy 
castings were continually moved should have remained unprovided 
with a steam capstan until it was introduced within the last twelve 
months by Mr. Tharp and Mr. Meredith. The economy of time, when 
delay is so costly, and also of labor, must be very great, while the cost 
of putting in the device has not greatly exceeded one thousand dollars. 

The supplies for use in the works are kept in good order, and 
arranged in business-like fashion. 

One question has suggessed itself every time I have passed through 
the house: Why should the coal used for the auxiliary engines be so 
carefully separated when the steam from the boilers enters a pipe com¬ 
mon to these engines and those in the house? Does the labor and 
cost of the separation of coal for the respective batteries in the house 
serve any useful end, except when made for the purpose of a special 
test or comparison ? 

It may be remarked that Mr. Tharp is not chargeable with the 
error of making cheap repairs—a most expensive form of economy. 
What he does is well done. 

The difficulties to be overcome at the Front-street Pumping Works 
are very great. Water weighted with mud from the banks of the 
Ohio River has to be pumped at a distance of nearly sixty-five 
feet below the floor of the building. The existence of this great 
amount of foreign matter in the water accounts largely for the failures in 
the machinery, and is a fact that has, perhaps, not been sufficiently 
considered by the non-resident designers of the engines and pumps. 
The enormous difference of level between low-water mark and the 
inlet at the Eden-Park reservoir (248.73 feet) is exceptional among 
the great waterworks of the world. When the Ohio is low, the 
pumps force water to this great height, without any relieving pressure 
from the water in the channel in the river. 

The mere weight of water rising to a height of 248.73 feet amounts 
to 107.65 pounds per square inch, and the additional pressure due to 
friction adds greatly to the load that has to be overcome. During 
low water, in the absence of pressure from the water in the channel, 
suction through the tunnel becomes difficult, and the pumps are ren¬ 
dered inefficient through imperfect fi ling. 

When the water is high other difficulties have to be met. At an 


40 


Report of Special Examiner. 


extremely high stage of the Ohio repairs to the pumps become 
entirely impossible. At a moderate stage the pumps are covered 
with water many feet in depth, but the repairs can still be effected 
after the water has been pumped out of the hold, as the part of the 
building below the floors is called. The walls are practically water¬ 
tight, and the water can easily be lowered by the pumps; but the 
means used create a new peril that is possibly more dangerous than 
the condition it avoids. The water within the building has been 
reduced to eight feet when the gauge showed forty-two feet in the 
river outside. It may be imagined that the situation was not reas¬ 
suring, with thirty - four feet of water in the channel pressing against 
the walls of the building, with a rapid current in the wide river in 
front of it, producing a pressure at that depth equal to one ton for 
every square foot of wall surface. 

Another point has to be considered: it is the unequal conditions 
of pressure due to the enormous rise and fall of the Ohio River, 
greater than at any other point on its banks, and exceeding the rise 
and fall of any other large river in the world. At one stage of the 
river the pumps are raising water from a level below them, while at 
another stage they are subjected to a pressure of the water above 
them that creates wholly different conditions and subjects the ma¬ 
chinery to a strain of an entirely different kind. The conflicting 
pressure interferes with the seating of the valves and affects the 
delivery of the pumps. Continual thought in regard to the running 
of the engines becomes a necessity with the continually changing level 
of the river. 

Why tunnels were built to give the pumps a water supply when 
canals of equal width, extending to the walls of the building (with 
removable covering, as suggested by Mr. Tharp), does not appear. 
In addition to the greater cost of construction, the keeping of the tun¬ 
nels free from mud entails annually an expense that is no insignificant 
matter. The deposit has to be lifted out in buckets, when it could be 
dredged, at much less cost, from a boat, if it were taken out of a canal. 
The process of raising the mud in buckets is an extremely expensive 
one when the mud accumulates in the tunnel, as it often does, to a 
depth of five or six feet. 

LEAD BILLS. 

The bills for lead bought for the department may be given as 
instances of evasions of the law that requires all purchases of supplies 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


41 


exceeding $500 in value to be advertised and awarded to the lowest 
bidder. 

The memorandum-book at the office shows entries of lead received 
as follows : 

April 29, 1891, 375 bars.weight 32,145 pounds. 

August 6, 1891, 405 “ . “ 33,470 

Nov. 20, 1891, 400 “ . “ 33,677 “ 

March 22, 1892, 375 “ . “ 3 2 >°35 “ 

The vouchers for the metal are as follows : 

4,786, April 28, 1891, C. G. Blake, 10,714 pounds at $4.45, $476.77. 
Bill approved May 14, 1891. 

4,819, April 27, 1891, C. G. Blake, 10,716 pounds at $4.45, $476.86. 
Bill approved May 21, 1891. 

4,833, April, 1891, C. G. Blake, 10,714 pounds at $4.45, $476.77. 
Bill approved May 28, 1891. 

A bill in gross, dated April 29, 1891, for 32,144 pounds 
at $4.45, $1,430.40, being the aggregate of the three bills, 
was attached to one of the vouchers. 

5,124, August 6, 1891, C. G. Blake, 10,410 pounds at $4.80, 
$499.68. Bill approved August 20, 1891. 

5,168, August 13, 1891, C. G. Blake, 10,410 pounds at $4.80, 
$499.68. Bill approved August 27, 1891. 

5,190, August 20, 1891, C. G. Blake, 10,410 pounds at $4.80, 
$499.68. Bill approved September 3, 1891. 

5,196, August 27, 1891,0. G. Blake, 2,102 pounds at $4.80, $100.90. 
Bill approved September 10, 1891. 

A bill in gross, dated August 6, 1891, for 33,332 pounds 
at $4.80, $1,599.94, the aggregate of the four bills, was 
attached to one of the vouchers. 

5,480, November 10, 1891, C. G. Blake,' 10,545 pounds at $4.55, 
$479.80. Bill approved November 27, 1891. 

5,509, November 17, 1891, C. G. Blake, 10,545 pounds at $4.55, 
$479.80. Bill approved December 10, 1891. 

5,517, December 14, 1891, C. G. Blake, 10,546 pounds at $4.55, 
$479.84. Bill approved December 17, 1891. 

No bill for gross weights and amounts was attached to 
the last three vouchers; the aggregate weight is 31,636 
pounds and the aggregate sum $1,439.44. 






42 


Report of Special Examiner. 


6,043, March 11, 1892, Cin. R. R. Supply Co., 10,678 pounds at 
$4.25, $453.81. Bill approved April 21, 1892. 

6,062, March 14, 1892, Cin. R. R. Supply Co., 10,000 pounds at 
$4.25, $425.00. Bill approved April 29, 1892. 

6.165, March 17, 1892, Cin. R. R. Supply Co., 11,356 pounds at 
$4.25, $482.63. Bill approved May 12, 1892. 

No bill for gross weights and amounts was attached to 
the last named bills. The aggregate weight is 32,034 
pounds and the aggregate sum $1,361.44. 

It will be noticed that the only “irregularity” about these bills is 
that two weeks instead of one was permitted to elapse between the 
approval of the vouchers Nos. 5,480 and 5,517 and of 6,062 and 

6.165. In the case of the second and third series of bills it will be 
seen that the weights in the bills are less than the weights of the lead 
delivered. 

The plea is made that no department of the city government can 
be carried on without ignoring the provisions of the act requiring that 
supplies in excess of $500 shall be procured by advertising for bids. 
It is in fact systematically disregarded. It matters not whether the 
advertising and letting of contracts for the lead would have resulted 
in a saving for the department or not; the law should have been com¬ 
plied with and carried out to the letter. Neither can the excuse of the 
necessity for hasty supply be of any avail in the case of purchases 
of lead, as it is the business of the parties in charge to keep themselves 
informed when the supply of lead runs low, and advertise for it in 
ample time for its delivery. 

As a result of inquiries made in regard to prices, a large firm of 
dealers in Cincinnati gave me the following as the figures at which the 
lead could have been delivered at the dates above named: $4.15, 
$4.60, $4.35, and $4.25. A company in Chicago, dealing in pig 
lead by the car-load, gave the following statement: First lot $4.00 to 
$4.10; second lot $4.35 to $4.45; third lot $4.10 to $4.20; and 
fourth lot $3.95 to $4.05. At the highest prices named by the Cin¬ 
cinnati dealers the saving would have been $96.38, $66.66, $63.27, 
and on the fourth lot there would have been nothing saved. The 
aggregate of $226.31 would, however, have amply repaid the cost 
of advertising for bids, which certainly would not have been one third 
of the sum that would have been saved. The highest prices quoted by 
the Chicago dealers would have been a saving of $117.14, $116.66, 
$110.71, and $64.06 respectively, and a total of $408.57 on the four 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


43 


lots. If a general inquiry had been made among the firms engaged 
in the trade, the sum last named might have been saved without the 
expense of advertising. This would have been a substantial if not a 
formal compliance with the law that would have fulfilled its intention. 
It was not, and the law was defied and evaded. 

One peculiarity in the method adopted in dividing the bills so as to 
bring them within the $500 limit strikes me as a singularly ostrich-like 
performance. The bills are carefully audited at separate meetings. 
If they are, as they assume to be, separate and distinct bills, there 
should be no hesitation in auditing them at the same meeting. 

LEASES. 

The following property is leased for waterworks purposes from the 
following named parties : 

Francis D. Jones: 100 feet west side Hunt Street, extending back 
to west line of Sec. 7, Town. 3, Fr. Range 2, north of pumping house. 
Moritz Loth, original lessor, Bk. 38, p. 321, and Bk. 43, p. 251, con¬ 
veyed to Samuel Fosdick, Bk. 453, p. 628. Perpetual lease. Rent 
$600 per annum. 

Edward Sargent: 180 by 200 feet west side Auburn Avenue. 
Joseph C. Butler and wife original lessors, Bk. 38, page 309. Per¬ 
petual lease. Rent $2,400 per annum. 

F. D. Jones: Office buildings, 71 by 135 feet northeast corner 
Seventh and Plum streets. Rent $3,000 per annum. Lease expired 
October 1, 1892. Waterworks holds over by verbal agreement. 

Walter St. John Jones: Lots 4 and 5 in R. Fosdick’s subdivision 
of out-lot No. 51, 59 by 100 feet south side Charles Street, extending 
to North Canal Street. Rent $480 per annum. 

Wood Fosdick: Lots 34, 35, 40, and 41 in R. Fosdick’s sub¬ 
division in out-lot No. 58, 50 by 190 feet north side Charles Street, 
extending to Twelfth Street. Five year lease from 1891. Rent 
present year $1,200. 

The last two leases are not on record in the Recorder’s office, nor 
could I find copies among the papers of the Board of Administration 
nor in the City Auditor’s box in the Safe Deposit Company. Mr. 
Walter St. John Jones, who is also agent for Wood Fosdick, showed 
me the copies he has retained of the leases. 

A lot at Cumminsville has been leased from Jacob Hoffner for the 
small station recently built there. Rent $20 per month. 


44 


Report of Special Examiner. 


The payments on 

account of all the property described made in 

the years 1891 and 1 

892 are correct. 


The absence of 

the leases named has 

impressed me with the 

necessity of having 

a Custodian of Public 

Documents, who should 

make it his duty to 

see that copies of all contracts are filed in his 

office. 

PAY-ROLLS. 


Year. 

Amount. 

Average 

Number of Men. 

1882. 

. $164,736 64- 

. 237 

Oo 

OO 

. 201,790 95- 


1884. 


. 36 l 

1885. 

. 230,546 95- 

. 33 1 

1886. 

. . . . 24 '?, 220 OI ... . 

. -270 

1887. 


. 328 

1888. 

. 237,455 60.... 

. 327 

1889. 


. 443 

1890. 

335.857 92 ---- 

. 452 

1891. 

- 373 , Io 7 70- 

. 499 


A graphic representation of the pay-rolls during the period will be 
found herewith. The upper line shows the sums paid, under the 
respective pay-rolls, on an apportionment of one hundred dollars to a 
space. The highest pay-roll in each month has been taken as the 
foundation of the ascending and descending lines. The lower line 
shows the number of men employed, ten men being counted to a 
space. 

A comparison between some of the items in a weekly pay-roll in 
1882 and the same items in 1892 will give an idea of the increase in 
the expenditures of the department. 



January 7 , 1882 . 

January 7 , 1892 . 

Number of 
Men. 

Amount. 

Number of 
Men. 

Amount. 

Superintendent’s office .... 

9 

$215 65 

6 

$235 15 

Secretary’s office. 

26 

471 80 

34 

716 25 

Pumping service. 

82 

1 ,*94 30 

167 

2.545 45 

Paving service. 

11 

64 20 

12 

128 40 

Repair service. 

H 

*33 30 

28 

359 55 

Hydrant service. ... 

9 

99 05 

22 

301 50 

Stable service. 1 

4 

48 00 

10 

160 00 

















































/SSI I /8&3 | /8 84- l /xtr | J8Z& 1 /88 7 I J j J&6<i j /ffa | //?/ | /Sfl 

??<J <? f~c/ a I Z£>Ocjrrl o/JP<jd//C cAtj&lcri \~P,iLLo l&'G l^-l Boa rcL 

' U Wmbrat'l-Jttlnsk c4e/*nnu/hffon,. 

-hfc H h V ^ 




















Cincinnati Waterworks. 


45 


The inspection service is one that has been a favorite field for 
political interference. It may not have suffered more severely than 
any other, but it is the one in which the influence can be more easily 
traced through the weekly pay-rolls than in any other. 


Jan. 

3,1883, 7 men... 

...$63 50 

Jan. 

5 , 

1889, 26 

men .. ...$432 60 

Jan. 

20, “ 5 “ 

... 60 00 

Mar. 

23, 

“ 30 

“ . 483 90 

July 

28, “ 29 “ 

113 50 

Mar. 

30, 

“ 21 

“ . 342 00 

Oct. 

20, “ 24 “ ... 

... 123 25 

May 

11, 

“ 12 

“ . 210 00 

Jan. 

13, 1884, 34 “ ... 

... 175 40 

June 

8, 

“ 22 

“ ......37655 

Feb. 

9 . “ 41 “ ••• 

... 297 90 

Oct. 

12, 

“ 25 

“ ...... 444 00 

Feb. 

16, “ 55 “ ... 

... 405 75 

Dec. 

28, 

“ 17 

“ . 304 00 

Mar. 

29, “ 40 “ ... 

... 223 55 

April 

12, 

1890, 16 

“ . 210 50 

May 

12, “ 26 “ 

... 134 50 

April 

26, 

“ 12 

“ . 210 50 

Sept. 

13, “ 53 “ ... 

... 348 40 

June 

7 , 

“ 17 

“ . 304 00 

July 

18, 1885, 18 “ ... 

... 285 45 

Jan. 

3 , 

1891, 20 

“ . 356 00 

Aug. 

21, 1886, 4 “ ... 

... 54 00 

April 

4 , 

“ 25 

“ . 429 00 

[an. 

1,1887, 5 “ .. 

... 7 o 5 ° 

July 

11, 

“ 18 

“ . 35 ° 00 

Feb. 

3 , “ 7 “ ... 

... 107 00 

Jan". 

13 , 

1892, 14 

“ . 235 00 

July 

23, “ 11 “ ... 

... 171 5 o 

Feb. 

13 

t0 \l 4 

66 . 245 OO 

Feb. 

11, 1888, 21 “ 

... 271 50 

July 

2, 

’92, / 14 


April 

21, “ 34 “ ... 

... 709 50 

July 

16 

, t0 l 15 

“ . 262 50 

Aug. 

18, “ 20 “ 

... 3 i 5 50 

Sept. 

10, 

’ 9 2, f 5 



During the six months ending June 30, 1892, 1,518 applications 
were made to turn water off and 1,888 to turn it on. At the same rate 
for the latter half of the year the applications will aggregate 6,812. 
I have been unable to get the statistics for 1891, but the number of 
applications were undoubtedly fewer than in the present year. The 
amount charged to the account of inspection in 1891 is $13,624, 
which for 6,812 applications would be an average cost of two dollars 
for each time water is turned off or on. The districts are larger and 
the territory possibly more extended than that traversed by the on-and- 
off men in the employ of the Cincinnati Gas Light and Coke Com¬ 
pany. The applications for gas were, however, much more numerous. 
In 1891 the Gas Company answered 5,393 applications to turn gas on 
and 4,295 to turn it off, the aggregate being 10,688 applications, 
against 6,812 made to the Waterworks. The work is performed during 
the daytime chiefly by four men, at a cost of from one and a half to 
two dollars per day, and at night by a number of men who live in a 
tenement house leased by the Gas Company, and answer all calls after 
nightfall in consideration of having rooms in the building free of rent. 

There is no definite separation of the expense on the books of the 
Gas Company, but I am entirely within bounds in saying that the cost 
of turning gas on and off does not exceed forty to fifty cents for each 
application. 




























46 


Report of Special Examiner. 


CURRENT EXPENSES. 

A comparative statement of the expenses of the department up to 
the dates named, during the last and the present year, is as follows: 


1891 1892 

June 30. $362,509 56 $392,980 20 Increase. .$30,470 64 

J ul y 3 1 . 453>3 I 4 98 453.769 48 “ 454 5° 

August 30. 639,412 49 534,051 53 Decrease. 105,360 96 

Sept. 30. 723,445 22 613,837 92 “ ..109,607 30 

Oct. 31. 822,792 02 685,426 31 “ ..137,365 7 2 


A comparative statement of expenditures to November 1st is as 
follows: 

CURRENT EXPENSES. 


Pumping Service. 

1891 

(Twelve months). 

1891 

(Ten months). 

1892 

[Ten months.) 

No. 1, Front St. (Third St.).. 
“ 2, Front St. (Eden Park). 
“ 3, Hunt St. (Mt. Auburn) 
“ 4, Eighth St. (Price Hill). 
“ 5, Front St. (Auxiliary).. 
“ 6, Pumping Boat. 

74,624 70 
286,992 95 
39,005 62 
16,970 8l 
59,046 70 

62.888 99 
246,925 87 
33,659 06 
13,537 43 
52,988 58 

42,004 96 
185,680 02 
27,210 05 
8,787 97 
13,546 96 
2,820 13 
6,034 19 
48,920 71 
20,606 51 
5.355 20 
19,349 04 
39,512 56 

Machine-shop. 

8,291 71 
55,184 OI 
2^,237 45 
6,487 07 
17,397 53 
53,779 96 

7,072 85 
47,092 02 
22,290 09 
5,54 2 07 
15.605 14 
45,834 3 2 

Hydrant service. 

Main pipe repairs. 

Draughting. 

Stable. 

Office expenses. 


$644,018 51 

$553,436 4 2 

$419,828 32 


BETTERMENTS. 


New water tower.j 

Eden-Park Pumping Station. 
Gate-house, Eden Park. 

1891 

(Twelve months). 

1891 

(Ten months). 

1892 

(Ten months). 

9,715 OO 

70,995 62 

9.715 00 
50,366 77 1 

7,960 94 
45,600 16 
2,340 71 
21,43° 38 

889 OI 

16,338 57 
60,768 35 
11,560 12 

Mount Hope Station. 



Cumminsville Station. 


. 

New pumping machinery.... 
Main pipe extension. 

19,146 40 
72,109 33 
18,138 04 

. 

17,646 40 
64,132 26 

14,631 15 

Pumping Boat or Eng. No. 13 

Total amounts. 

$190,104 39 

, $156,491 58 

$166,888 24 

$834,122 90 

$709,928 00 

$586,716 56 









































Cincinnati Waterworks. 


47 


Total Payments in 1892 to November 1 st. 


Current expenses. 419,828 32 

Betterments. 166,888 24 

Returned water-rents. 11,184 75 

Sinking Fund. 23,275 00 

Interest. 64,250 00 


$685,426 31 

A notable feature of this statement is that more money was 
expended in betterments in the ten months ending November 1, 1892 
($166,888.24) than during the same time in 1891 ($156,491.58), 
notwithstanding the fact that in July (1891) bonds were sold to provide 
the sum of $200,000 to be used for that particular class of expendi¬ 
tures, while during the present year no money was received from the 
sale of bonds. The fact that current expenses were reduced in ten 
months from $553,436.42 to $419,828.32, and the large sum of 
$166,888.24 expended in betterments, shows what the department can 
do in case of necessity, A matter of inquiry naturally suggests itself. 
Has this reduction been accomplished by running in debt ? My answer 
to this question is derived partly from information and partly from 
inspection of accounts. The claims filed with Mr. Keating, audited 
and unaudited, November 29th, amounted to $42,541.19 (exclusive 
of the sum to be paid for pumping engines at Mount Hope, $6,200), 
which can hardly be regarded as an extraordinary amount, when the 
expenditures sometimes reach $80,000 in a single month. 

It will be seen by reference to the statement of current expenses 
that a general reduction has taken place, with the exception of the 
hydrant service and the stable. The amount paid on account of the 
hydrant service exceeds last year by the sum of $1,828.69. In the 
stable the increase may be called phenomenal, as the cost for ten 
months is greater by the sum of $1,951.51 than during the entire 
twelve months of 1891. A comparative statement of the items of 
expenditure in the stable is set forth in the tabular statement below. 

It may be remarked that Mr. Keating’s book-keeping is excellent, 
and his books afford every facility needed for tracing vouchers in 
detail. His system of keeping accounts is all that could be desired. 








48 


Report of Special Examiner. 


Building. 

Ground rent... 
Plumbing bills. 
Fixtures . 


Coal. 

Telephone.... 

Gas bills.. 

Insurance.. .., 

Ice. 

Laundry bills, 
Rubber boots, 


Wages. 

New buggies (2)... 
Repairs to buggies. 
New wagons (2) 
Repairs to wagons. 

New harness. 

Harness repairs.... 


Horses (6).. 

Feed. 

Horse-shoeing. 

Bedding. 

Veterinary surgeon 
Veterinary supplies, 
Dentistry. 


Buckets . 
Sponges. 
Soap 
Brooms . 
Baskets . 


Board of horses at other stables 

Pasturage. 

Sundries. 


412 

1,200 

30 

13 


18©1 

86 ... 
00... 
10... 
65 . 


22 

78 

157 

hi 

7 

55 

15 


340 

649 

370 

779 

563 

197 


533 

189 

50 

94 

38 


05. 

75- 

oc. 

35- 

00. 


95- 

95- 

77- 

00. 

00. 


[71 70. 


[,656 61 


1802 (ten months). 


1,032 22 

1,200 OO 

44 58 
33 03 


2,309 83 


100 00 
154 49 


446 48 
8,029 25 


14 56 
42 85 
16 50 


(3) 585 00 
1,018 20 


2,900 20 
1,025 00 
2,180 33 


961 55 
5o° 75 
99 15 


328 40 
7,449 05 


3,164 65 


.(12)1,992 50 

.. 2,650 12 

648 10 
156 00 


170 50 
2 00 


905 *5 


3 50 
21 00 


54 67 


9 00 


28 14_ 


199 84 


329 93 
27 00 

87 46 


976 60 


33 50 


444 41 


$17,397 53 


$19,349 04 


Twenty-eight horses are kept in the stable, also sixteen wagons, 
one dray, one drag, and ten buggies. Two of the buggies are used by 
members of the Board of Administration, and the cost is properly a 
part of the expenses of the general management of the city’s affairs 
and not of the Waterworks. One fourth of the lot on Charles Street, 
extending to Twelfth Street, upon which the stable stands, is occu¬ 
pied by the shops of the main pipe repair, the extension, and the 























































































Cincinnati Waterworks. 


49 


hydrant services. One fourth, therefore, of the annual ground rent 
of $1,200, or $300, should be charged to other service. The 
amount expended for buildings is partly for account of the main 
pipe repair service. A considerable share of the laundry bills 
appears to be for washing robes for use in the buggies. An examina¬ 
tion of all the stable bills for 1891 and 1892 enables me to say that 
with the exceptions named, the amounts set forth in the statement 
were properly chargeable against it. The sum of $2,000 should 
cover all deductions. 

On the basis of twenty-eight horses, the feed purchased in 1892 
cost $2,650.12, or $9.46 per horse per month. The cost in the 
Street-cleaning Department is $7.69, or $1.77 per month less than 
at the Waterworks stables. Severe work is, however, exacted in the 
Waterworks service, which makes demands by day and by night. 

In addition to the feed-bill the sum of $329.93 was paid during 
the present year for the board of horses, chiefly for meals obtained 
when officers and employees were engaged at too great a distance to 
return to the Charles-street stable. 

It is claimed that horses belonging to other departments of the city 
government are fed in the stables in addition to the twenty-eight horses 
that occupy the stalls. What this amounts to I am unable to state. 
If it would be entirely just to bring the amount of feed thus consumed 
into the account as a reduction of the average monthly cost of feed 
per horse, it would also be proper to add a certain portion of the 
sum of $329.93 paid for the board of horses. 

The insurance policies on the stable property contain an item of 
$300, in each policy, on buildings. Why the department should 
insure property for which it has no title except that of tenant, and 
therefore no insurable interest nor right to collect money therefor in 
case of loss by fire, does not appear. The premium paid on this 
account is consequently a clear waste of money. 

The receipts of the department during the ten months ending Oc¬ 
tober 31, 1892, were $693,826.23, of which amount $643,341.76 were 
received from water-rents. In 1891, during the same period, the total 
receipts were $660,912.91, of which amount $609,671.16 were re¬ 
ceived for water-rents. This shows an increase in the receipts from 
water-rents amounting to $33,670.60, and a decrease in the receipts 
other than water-rent of $757.28. 

Notwithstanding the decrease in the amount paid to carry on the 
department and the increase in the water-rents collected, the tax-payers 


50 


Report of Special Examiner. 


need not flatter themselves that there will be any cessation in its 
demands. Betterments and extensions will have to be made. A 
forcing main from the Front-street Works to the Eden-Park reservoir 
will have to be provided without delay. It is one of the absolute needs 
of the works. A line of pipe, thirty-six inches diameter, will cost 
about $50,000. 


Comparative Statement of Income and Expenses for Ten Years. 



Water Rents. 

Expenses. 

• 

Betterments. 

1882 . 

$ 507,501 31 

$212,682 66 

$118,412 05 

1883. 

534,281 09 

207,311 33 

208,426 62 

1884.1 

548,931 06 

248,501 37 

173,641 43 

1885. 

569,989 16 

263,264 28 

140,558 24 

1886.; 

587,476 94 

272,423 65 

259,696 49 

1887. ! 

629,731 93 

297,524 81 

240,151 46 

1888. 

651,028 34 

27 b 730 79 

407,367 22 

1889. 

682,319 45 

288,385 35 

320,059 32 

1890. 

605,018 44 

491,694 10 

126,834 67 

1891. 

719,109 15 

644,018 51 

190,104 39 


While making this examination I have been treated with entire 
courtesy by Mr. Tharp and every one connected with the department, 
and have found no disposition to keep back information. Books, 
papers, and vouchers, unless in actual use at the time, and it was 
obviously inconvenient to furnish them, were freely offered for inspec¬ 
tion when demanded. I wish particularly to express my thanks to 
Mr. Keating and Mr. Elsbach in the Secretary’s office, Mr. D. 
Murphy of the hydrant and meter service, Mr. Meredith of the Front- 
street Works, and Mr. Everson of the Hunt-street Pumping House. 

I have endeavored to make this report as complete as possible, as 
far as it goes. Within the limits of the time assigned to me, it was 
clearly impracticable to look into all the matters connected with a busi¬ 
ness that does not fall far below a million of dollars a year. It must 
be remembered that I took charge of the investigation single-handed 
and alone. The examination that a business man would make is the 
one which I understood the Board required. It has been made as 
far as my capacity admits, and nothing has been concealed or glossed 
over. In the beginning it was clearly apparent that some limitation 
of its scope was necessary, otherwise the field would become too vast. 
It has, therefore, been practically confined to the years 1891 and 
1892, and a few only of the more important features examined. 






















Cincinnati Waterworks. 


51 


What the management of the department has been in the past I am 
unable to judge, except from an examination of the pay-rolls of the 
last ten years, made for the purpose of comparison. To say that it 
has been or is now economically managed would be a misuse of 
words. If the cause that has contributed the most to this state of 
things is demanded, pre-eminence must be assigned to one: it is the 
condition of continual change that has affected its administration. 
Men could not be expected to take an interest in their work under 
this state of things. A recapitulation of the titles of the public 
boards that have had charge of the affairs of the Waterworks from 
1882 to 1892 may, perhaps, sufficiently explain the situation, and 
bring back matters of the past that may already have begun to fade 
from the memory of the average citizen, who takes no active part in 
political affairs : 

1. Board of Public Works. 

2. Board of Public Affairs, took charge June 1, 1886. 

3. Board of Public Improvements, took charge March 17, 1890. 

4. Board of City Affairs, took charge November n, 1890. 

5. Board of Public Improvements, reinstated March 13, 1891. 

6. Board of Administration, took charge May 4, 1891. 

Under these conditions of multiplied change the wonder is that 
the work of the department has been as well attended to as it has 
been. During the rapid transformation scenes that have taken place 
in the last three years, the chief concern of members of boards, 
officers of departments, clerks, and employees of all kinds must have 
been to keep their political heads on their political shoulders. Care¬ 
lessly as the department has, in many respects, been managed, it is 
truly a matter of astonishment that its affairs have not fallen into utter 
confusion. 

Very respectfully submitted, 

geo. McLaughlin. 


Cincinnati, December 2, 1892. 


52 


Report of Special Examiner. 


EXHIBIT A. 


LIST OF VOUCHERS FOR COAL DELIVERED 

IN 1891 AND 1892, MEASURED IN TONS OF 2,000 POUNDS. 


COAL DELIVERED IN 1891. 


Voucher. 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Coal. 

Delivery. 

Price. 

Amount. 

4257 

Jan. 5 

Brown .. . 

662.500 

Yough .. 

Front st.. .. 

$1 87 

$1,238 41 

4257 

“ 5 

it 

I.150 

Piedm’nt 

it 

4 00 

4 30 

4258 

“ 5 

it 

50.500 

Y ough .. 

H 

Hunt st.... 

2 35 

118 09 

4288 

“ 12 

<< 

756.1380 

Front st ... 

1 87 

1,415 OI 

4298 

“ 12 

it 

73 450 


Hunt st.... 

2 35 

172 08 

4299 

“ 19 

a 

647.460 

it 

Front st.... 

1 87 

1,210 32 

4299 

“ 19 

a 

I. IOO 

Piedm’nt 

a 

4 00 

4 20 

4300 

“ 26 

a 

77-550 

Y ough .. 

it 

Hunt st.... 

2 35 

181 60 

4335 

“ 19 

a 

81.1600 

it 

2 35 

192 23 

4336 

“ 26 

it 

745.890 

a 

Front st.... 

1 87 

i ,393 98 

4336 

“ 26 

a 

1.200 

Piedm’nt 

it 

4 00 

4 40 

4337 

Feb. 2 

a 

215.740 

Yough .. 

it 

1 87 

402 74 

4338 

“ 2 

a 

64.1440 

Hunt st.... 

2 35 

152 09 

4341 

Tan. 31 

Carlisle... 

44.1950 

Peach Or 

Eighth st... 

2 22 

99 83 

4389 

Feb. 1 

Kineon ... 

8. 

Yough .. 

7th and Plum 

2 75 

22 00 

4389 

“ 1 

it 

4 - 

Hj r d. serv... 

2 75 

11 00 

4389 

i 6 | 


8. 

“ 

Main pipe ex 

2 75 

22 00 

4442 

41 2 

it 

539 - 1 80 

“ 

Front st.... 

1 87 

1,008 09 

4443 

“ 25 


74.998 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 35 

175 07 

445 1 

“ 9 


650.850 

“ 

Front st.... 

1 87 

1,216 29 

4452 

“ 16 


644.30 

“ 

i i 

1 87 

1,204 31 

4472 

“ 16 

it 

65990 

** 

Hunt st... 

2 35 

153 9 i 

4473 

“ 23 

“ 

88.500 

“ 

i i 

2 35 

207 39 

4474 

“ 23 

i i 

642.1610 

“ 

Front st.... 

1 87 

1,202 05 

4475 

Mar. 2 

i i 

610.960 

“ 

“ 

1 87 

1,141 60 

455 ° 

“ 2 

i i 

59 -1503 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 35 

140 42 

455 ' 

“ 2 


4 H 7 

“ 

“ 

2 35 

9 57 

4552 

“ 7 


641.1460 

“ 

Front st.... 

1 87 

1,2CO 04 

4553 

“ 9 i 

it 

2. 


Mt. Aub. tk. 

3 25 

6 50 

4553 

“ 9 


73-930 

Yough... 

Hunt st.... 

2 35 

172 65 

4556 

Feb. 28 Carlisle . . 

42.1550 

Peach Or 

Eighth st... 

2 22 

94 96 

4556 

“ 28I 

“ 

2.300 

it 

Price Hill tk. 

2 47 

5 3 i 

4578 

“ 5;Kineon... 

711136 

Coke.... 

Front st.... 

4 72 

337 97 

4579 

“ 28 

it 

8. 

Yough .. 

7th and Plum 

2 75 

22 00 

4579 

“ 28 

| 

1 i 

8. 

Chas.st. yd. 

2 75 

22 00 






















Cincinnati Waterworks. 


63 


Voucher.! 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Coal. 

) 

Delivery. 

Price. 

Amount. 

4 .S 79 

Feb. 28 

Kineon ... 

68.1808 

Coke. 

. Front st_ 

$4 72 

$325 38 

4580 

“ 28 

it 

I 9-525 

Anthra.. 

it 

6 50 

' 123 50 

4S80 

“ 28 

it 

42.690 

Coke. 

ii 

4 72 

199 92 

458° 

“ 28 

it 

.1800 

“ 

7th and Plum 

3 5 o 

5 00 

4607 

Mar. 16 

Brown.... 

631.310 

Yough .. 

Front st.... 

1 87 

1,180 26 

4607 

“ 16 

“ 

2.350 

Piedmo’t. 

it 

4 00 

8 70 

4608 

“ 16 

“ 

70 845 

Yough .. 

it 

Hunt st.... 

2 35 

165 49 

4645 

“ 19 

it 

153.1500 

Front st.... 

2 43 

373 61 

4645 

“ 19 

Addition’l 

rate on 7 

prev. lots. 

“ 

56 

2 , 44 1 43 

4645 

“ 18 

Brown.... 

34-940 

Yough .. 

Hunt st.... 

2 65 

9 i 35 

4645 

“ 18 

Addition’l 

rate on 3 

prev. lots. 

it 

30 

61 09 

4652 

“ 21 

Consol’d.. 

521.150 

Y ough .. 

Front st.... 

2 43 

1,266 21 

4653 

“ 21 

it 

55-350 

it 

Hunt st.. .. 

2 65 

146 22 

4654 

it j 

Kineon.... 

4 - 

it 

Chas. st. yd. 

2 75 

11 00 

4654 

it | 

C i 

8. 

“ 

7thand Plum 

2 75 

22 00 

4654 

“ I 

it 

4 - 

Piedm’nt 

Front st.... 

4 00 

16 00 

4654 

“ I 

it 

14.180 

Anthra.. 

it 

6 00 

84 54 

4654 

“ I 

a 

22.148 

Coke. 

ii 

4 72 

104 24 

4657 

“ 28 

Consol’d.. 

7 M 430 

it 

Ninth st.... 

4 72 

190 04 

4658 

“ 28 

i t 

749 -1240 

Y ough .. 

Front st.... 

2 43 

1,821 58 

4671 

Apr. 6 

“ 

60.200 

Hunt st.... 

2 65 

159 27 

4672 

“ 6 

(< 

735.230 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 43 

1,786 32 

4673 

“ 11 

<« 

70.1030 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 65 

186 86 

4674 

“ 11 

“ 

659.300 

it 

Front st.... 

2 43 

1,601 73 

4678 

Mar. 31 

Carlisle... 

46.1550 

Peach Or 

Eighth st. . . 

2 22 

103 84 

4742 

Apr. 18 

Consol’d.. 

877.1780 

Yough .. 

i i 

Front st.... 

2 43 

2,133 27 

4743 

“ 18 

“ 

71.1270 

Hunt st . . 

2 65 

189 83 

4743 

“ 2 

“ 

2 775 

it 

Mt. Aub. tk. 

3 25 

7 75 

4748 

“ 1 

Kineon... 

38 670 

Anthra.. 1 

Front st.... 

6 00 

230 01 

4748 

“ 1 

it 

4 - 

Yough .. | 
“ 1 

7th and Plum 

2 75 

11 00 

4748 

“ 1 

it 

2. 

12th st. yard 

2 75 

5 50 

4748 

it | 

it 

2. 

<< 

Stable. 

2 75 

5 5 o 

4755 

“ 25 

Consol’d.. 

982 750 

“ 

Front st ... 

2 43 

2,387 17 

4756 

“ 25 

“ 

67 .I 45 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 65 

177 74 

4764 

May 2 

“ 

99.480 

it 

a 

2 65 

262 99 

4765 

“ 2 

“ 

1,007 1610 

“ I 

Front st.... 

2 43 

2,448 97 

4766 

“ 30 

Carlisle... 

46.1600 

Peach Or 

Eighth st. .. 

2 22 

103 90 

4774 

“ 30 

Kineon... 

4 - 

< < 

7th and Plum 

2 75 

11 00 

4774 

“ 30 

“ 

4 - 


Stables. 

2 75 

11 00 

4774 

“ 30 

“ 

3 - 

Piedm’nt 

Main pipe ex 

4 00 

12 00 

4788 

May 9 

Consol’d.. 

1,064.1500 

Yough .. 

Front st.... 

2 43 

2,587 34 

4789 

“ 9 

“ 

81.950 

Hunt st.... 

2 65 

215 91 

4821 

“ 16 

“ 

86.390 

“ 

ii 

2 65 

228 42 

4822 

“ 16 

a 

1,021.830 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 43 ! 

2,482 04 

4834 

“ 16 

a 

77.»655 

11 

Hunt st.... 

2 65 

206 24 

4835 

“ 23 


1,011.1500 

11 

Front st.... 

2 43 

2,458 55 

4850 

“ 27 

Carlisle... 

57 370 

t i 

Eighth st... 

2 22 

126 95 

4855 

“ 18-26 

Kineon... 

3625 

Piedm’nt 

Front st.... 

4 00 

13 25 

4865 

“ 30 

Consol’d.. 

1,240.400 

Yough .. 

it 

“ 

2 43 

3 ,o 13 69 

4866 

“ 30 

a 

79.140 

Hunt st.... 

2 65 

209 54 

4871 

June 6 

11 

918.1535 

it 

Front st.... 

2 43 

2,232 61 

4872 

“ 6 


78.249 


Hunt st.... 

2 65 

207 03 

































54 


Report of Special Examiner. 


Voucher. 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Coal. 

Delivery. 

Price. 1 Amount. 

4921 

June 13 

Consol’d.. 

1,219735 

Yough .. 

Front st.... 

$2 

43 

$2,963 06 

4922 

“ 13 

i i 

92.1765 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 

65 

246 14 

4924 

“ 16 

Brown.... 

56 - 195 ° 


Front st.... 

3 

00 

170 93 

4925 

“ 15 

“ 

58.720 

“ 

“ 

3 

00 

175 08 

4926 

“ 17 

Brown.... 

8 5-435 

Y ough . . 

Front st.... 

3 

00 

255 65 

4931 

“ 20 

Consol’d.. 

52.530 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

65 

138 50 

49 : 12 a 

“ 20 

“ 

200. 

44 

Front st.... 

2 

43 

486 00 

49 : 12 b 

“ 20 

“ 

200. 

u “ 

2 

431 

486 00 

49112 c 

“ 20 

“ 

110.1920 

“ 

4 4 

2 

43 

269 63 

4933 

“ 20 

Brown.... 

75 1060 

“ 

44 

3 

00 

226 59 

4934 

“ IO 

“ 

651350 

“ 

44 

3 

00 j 

197 03 

4935 

“ 18 

i 4 

75.1270 

“ 

4 4 

3 

00 

226 91 

493 6 

“ 20 

“ 

114.35° 

<< 

44 

3 

00 

342 53 

4937 

“ 23 

a 

45-530 


44 

3 

00 

135 80 

493 8 

“ 19 

Kineon... 

82.900 

“ . 

4 4 

3 

00 r 

247 35 

493 8 

“ 19 

< < 

4-775 

“ 

Hunt st. 

3 

00 

13 *6 

4939 

“ 20 

i t 

138.240 

u 

Front st.... 

3 

00 

4 i 4 36 

4939 

“ 20 

( < 

20.1728 

“ 

Hunt st. 

3 

00 

62 59 

4940 

“ 22 

i i 

144.120 

“ 

Front st ... 

3 

00 

432 18 

4940 

“ 22 

i 4 

16.1025 

«< 

Hunt st. 

3 

00 

49 53 

494 ^ 

“ 16 

“ 

2-475 

Piedm’nt 

Front st.... 

4 

00 

8 95 

4941 

“ 21 

< < 

561950 

Yough .. 

4 4 

3 

OO; 

170 92 

4942 

“ 18 

“ 

63510 

“ 

44 

3 

OO 

189 76 

4942 

“ 18 

“ 

16.1190 

44 

Hunt st. 

3 

OO 

49 78 

495 ° 

“ 24 

Brown.... 

48.1610 

44 

Front st.... 

3 

OO 

146 42 

495 * 

“ 27 

Kineon... 

118.155 


“ 

2 

90 

342 43 

4952 

“ 28 

4 4 

162.635 


44 

2 

90 

470 72 

4953 

“ 27 

44 

51.320 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 

90l 

148 36 

4954 

“ 26 

44 

142.180 


Front st.... 

2 

90 

412 06 

4955 

1 “ 26 

4 4 

17.840 


Hunt st. 

2 

90 

50 52 

495 6 

“ 25 

44 

27 710 

44 

“ 

2 

90 

79 33 

4957 

“ 23 

44 

116.1875 


Front st.... 

2 

90 

339 12 

495 8 

“ 23 

4 4 

20.1970 


Hunt st. 

2 

90 

60 85 

4959 

“ 24 

4 4 

1381415 


Front st.... 

2 

90 

402 25 

4960 

“ 24 

44 

8.1045 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 

90 

24 72 

49 f)I 

“ 25 

44 

144225 


Front st.... 

2 

9 °| 

4 i 7 93 

4966 

July 6 

4 4 

109585 


44 

1 2 

901 

316 95 

4967 

“ 3 

4 4 

47-25 

44 

44 

2 

901 

136 33 

4968 

“ 4 

<4 

72.1935 

44 

4 4 

2 

90I 

211 60 

4969 

“ 2 

4 4 

87 -17 1 5 


44 

2 

9 ° 

254 78 

4970 

“ 5 

44 

109.1050 

44 

4 4 

2 

90 

317 62 

497 ' 

“ 3 

44 

109.80 

44 

4 4 

i 2 

9 ° 1 

316 22 

4972 

“ 6 

4 4 

80.1160 

44 

4 4 

2 

90 

233 68 

4973 

June 30 

4 4 

114.210 

44 

4 4 

2 

901 

330 9 ° 

4974 

“ 30 

4 4 

107.885 

44 

4 4 

1 2 

9 ° 

3 *i 58 

4975 

July 1 

44 

104.50 

44 

4 4 

j 2 

90 

301 67 

4976 

“ 2 


97 485 


4 4 

2 

90! 

282 00 

4977 

June 29 

44 

95.940 

44 

44 

2 

90 

276 87 

4978 

“ 29 

44 

55 770 

44 

Hunt st. 

1 2 

90 

160 62 

4979 

“ 29I “ 

88.525 


Front st. .. . 

2 

90 

255 97 

4980 

“ 30 Carlisle .. 

57-1590 

Peach Or 

Eighth st.... 

2 

22 

128 30 

4981 

July 1 

'Kineon... 

I 

92.1150 

; 

Yough .. 

Front st.... 

2 

9 °; 

268 47 









































Cincinnati Waterworks. 


55 


Voucher. 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Coal. 

Delivery. 

• 

Price. 

Amount. 

4991 

May 4 

Marmet .. 

0.1800 

Coke ... . 

Front st ... 

$4 44 

$4 OO 

499 * 

“ 23 

< < 

4 - 

Yough .. 

I 2 th-st. yard 

3 

00 

12 OO 

5001 

July n 

Kineon... 

151-55 

Front st.... 

2 

90 

437 98 

5002 

“ 10 

i ^ 

157-530 

“ 

i i 

2 

90 

456 07 

5003 

“ 8 

i t 

171 470 

“ 

i i 

2 

90 

496 58 

5004 

“ 7 

i i 

162.860 

“ 

i i 

2 

90 

471 05 

5004 

“ 3 

ii 

2.200 

Piedm’nt 

Front st. shp 

4 

00 

8 40 

5005 

“ 9 

“ 

169.1885 

Yough .. 

Front st.... 

2 

90 

492 83 

5006 

Tune 30 

ii 

I26.I65 

It 

Hunt st. 

2 

90 

365 64 

5069 

July 12 

i i 

36. 1 21 5 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 

90 

106 17 

5070 

“ 13 

“ 

75-510 


* i 

2 

90 

218 24 

5 ° 7 * 

“ 13 

i i 

115.1910 

“ 

ii 

2 

90 

336 39 

5072 

“ 6-11 

ii 

88.1115 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

90 

256 82 

5084 

“ 20 

Consol’d.. 

1,029.180 

u 

Front st.... 

2 

43 

2,500 69 

5093 

“ 25 

i i 

892.505 

“ 

ii 

2 

43 

2,168 17 

5°94 

“ 25 

“ 

63.980 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

65 

168 25 

5°95 

“ 20 

“ 

92 980 

“ 

ii 

2 

65 

245 09 

5096 

“ 1-31 

Carlisle .. 

58.685 

Peach Or 

Eighth st... 

2 

22 

129 52 

5108 

Aug. 1 

Consol’d.. 

», 137-955 

Yough... 

Front st.... 

2 

43 

2,764 07 

5*°9 

“ 1 

i i 

81.170 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

65 

214 88 

5 *i 5 

“ 15 

< < 

104.1585 

“ 

i i 

2 

65 

277 70 

5116 

“ 17 

<« 

1,130.925 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 

43 

2,747 02 

5**7 

8 

“ 

1,166.170 

“ 

ii 

2 

43 

2.833 59 

5118 

“ 8 

“ 

70.580 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

65 

186 27 

5**9 

July 18 

Kineon... 

2. 

Piedm’nt 

Front st. shp 

4 

00 

8 00 

5120 

“ 3 

Marmet 

0.1800 

Coke.... 

Front st... . 

4 

44 

4 00 

5*48 

Aug. 22 

Consol’d.. 

80.1295 

Yough .. 

Hunt st. ... 

2 

65 

213 72 

5*49 

“ 22 

“ 

1146.1975 

“ 

Front st. ... 

2 

43 

2,787 18 

5 * 7 & 

“ 29 

< < 

80.380 

u 

Hunt st.. .. 

2 

65 

212 50 

5*77 

“ 29 

“ 

1,225.1685 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 

43 

2,978 80 

5201 

Sep. 5 

<< 

101.1330 

«(' 

Hunt st. 

2 

65 

269 41 

5202 

“ 5 

“ 

1,086.1805 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 

43 

2,641 17 

5216 

“ • 12 

“ 

57 mo 

u 

Hunt st. 

2 

65 

152 52 

5217 

“ 12 

<« 

939 1495 

“ 

Front st... 

2 

43 

2.283 59 

5232 

“ *9 

“ 

88.1495 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

65 

23518 

5233 

“ 19 

«« 

1,071.105 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 

43 

2,602 65 

5250 

Aug. 4 

Kineon... 

1. 

Piedm’nt 

Front st_ 

4 

00 

4 00 

5 2 5 ° 

“ 17 

ii 

2-350 

“ 

i i 

4 

00 

8 70 

5250 

“ 3 * 


4 - 

Yough .. 

Hunt st. 

3 

50 

14 00 

5261 

“ 6 

Marmet 

4 - 

“ 

I2th-st. yard 

3 

00 

12 00 

5306 

“ 3 1 

Carlisle... 

61.1985 

Peach Or 

Eighth st.... 

2 

22 

137 S 2 

5334 

Sep. 27 

Consol’d.. 

1,054.1500 

Yough .. 

Front st. . . . 

2 

43 

2,563 04 

5335 

“ 26 

“ 

76.1705 

Hunt st .... 

2 

65 

203 60 

5345 

Oct. 3 

“ 

957 1310 

“ 

Front st_ 

2 

43 

2,327 10 

5346 

“ 3 

i i 

81.445 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

65 

215 24 

5347 

Sep. 1-311 

Carlisle... 

62.1740 

Peach Or 

Eighth st... 

2 

22 

139 57 

5355 

“ 5-22 

Kineon... 

12.725 

Yough .. 

Eden Park Res’r.. 

3 

00 

43 26 

5355 

“ 5-22 

i i 

3-750 

Piedm’nt 

Front st.. .. 

4 

00 

13 5 ° 

5369 

Oct. 10 

Consol’d.. 

73*975 

Yough .. 

Hunt st .... 

2 

65 

196 07 

5370 

“ 11 

“ 

1,112.440 

Front st... 

2 

43 

2,702 70 

5396 

“ *7 

“ 

78.465 

“ 

Hunt st .... 

2 

65 

207 32 

5397 

“ 18 


993 *455 


Front st. 

2 

43 

2,414 76 































56 


Report of Special Examiner. 


!>' 

4 J 

X 

cj 

3 

O 

> 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Coal. 

Delivery. 

Price. 

Amount. 

5434 

Oct. 24 

Consol’d.. 

1,015.515 

Yough. .. 
66 

Front st.... 

$2 43 

$2,467 08 

5435 

“ 24 

“ 

74 -I 855 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

*98 56 

5447 

“ 3 1 

“ 

83.1720 

it 

6 i 

2 65 

222 23 

5448 

“ 31 

“ 

1,040.960 

it 

Front st.... 

2 43 

2,528 37 

5457 

Nov. 7 

“ 

801.1655 

“ 

4 4 

2 43 

1,948 44 

5458 

“ 7 

66 

6 i -545 

“ 

Hunt st.j 

2 65 

162 37 

5459 

Oct. 1-31 

Carlisle... 

58.1530 

“ 

Eighth st... I 

3 25 

190 98 

5459 

“ 1-31 

66 

2.250 

“ 

Price-Hill tk 

3 50 

7 44 

5461 

“ 10 

Marmet .. 

4 - 


I 2 th-st. yard 

3 00 

12 00 

546 i 

“ 30 

6 6 > 

4 - 

44 

“ 

3 50 

14 00 

5473 

Nov. 14 

Consol’d.. 

887.1555 

U 

Front st.... 

2 43 

2,157 30 

5474 

“ 14 

6 6 

79.940 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

210 60 

548 i 

“ 23 

6 6 

827.1110 


Front st .... 

2 43 

2,010 96 

5482 

“ 23 

“ 

64.160 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

169 81 

5492 

“ 28 

6 6 

865.1320 

44 

Front st .... 

2 43 

2,103 55 

5493 

“ 28 

66 

74-1255 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

*97 76 

55 10 

Dec. 5 

66 

776.1430 

(( 

Front st .... 

2 43 

1,887 42 

55 ii 

“ 5 


72 , 7*5 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

i 9 * 75 

552 i 

Mar 2-30 

Carlisle... 

50.1630 

Peach Or 

Eighth st. .. 

3 25 

*65 *5 

5522 

Dec. 12 

Consol’d.. 

67-75 

Yough .. 

(t 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

*77 65 

5523 

“ 12 

6 6 

789.180 

Front st.... 

2 43 

*, 9*7 49 

5529 

Nov. 17 

Kineon... 

4 - 

“ 

Eden-Pk res. 

4 00 

16 00 

5529 

“ 17 

“ 

4 - 

“ 

Eighth st... 

3 50 

14 00 

5529 

“ 3 ° 

“ 

4 - 

“ 

I 2 th-st. yard 

„ 3 00 

12 00 

5529 

“ 23 

“ 

2.180 

Piedm’nt 

Front st.... 

4 00 

8 36 

5530 

“ 14 

“ 

4 ** 5 ° 

44 

+ 66 

4 00 

*8 30 

5530 

“ 14 

“ 

4 - 

Yough .. 

7th and Plum 

4 00 

14 00 

5534 

“ 12 

Marmet .. 

4 - 

1 « 

1 4 4 

3 5 o 

14 00 

5534 

“ 25 

66 

4 


44 

3 5 ° 

14 00 

5534 

“ 17 

44 

4 - 

“ 

44 

3 5 o 

14 00 

5534 

“ 21 

6 6 

0.1800 

Coke.... 

jFront st.... 

4 44 

4 00 

5550 

Dec. 19 

Consol’d.. 

872.250 

Yough .. 

“ 

2 43 

2,119 26 

555 i 

“ 19 

66 

72 1930 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

*93 36 

5554 

“ 19 

R Schmidt 

4 - 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 50 

10 00 

5563 

“ 26 

Consol’d.. 

776.950 

44 

4 4 

2 43 

i,886 83 

5564 

“ 26 

6 6 

81.440 

44 

Iplunt st. 

2 65 

215 23 

5565 

“ 21 

66 . 

130 

44 

Front st.... 

2 43 

3*5 90 

5572 

“ 3 i 

Carlisle... 

56375 

Peach Or 

Eighth st. .. 

2 75 

*54 52 

5572 

“ 31 

6 6 

2. 

44 

Price-Hill tk 

3 00 

6 00 

5621 

“ *2 

Kineon... 

4 - 

Piedm’nt 

I2th-st. yard 

3 00 

12 00 

5621 

“ 15 

“ 

4 - 

“ 

“ 

3 00 

12 00 

5621 

“ 19 

“ 

1. 

“ 

Front st.... 

4 00 

4 00 

5627 

“ 28 

Marmet .. 

8 . 

Yough .. 

7th andPlum 

2 75 

22 00 



1 

53 - 37 ° 25 V<t 




$131,885 14 











































Cincinnati Waterworks. 


57 


COAL DELIVERED IN 1892. 


Voucher. 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Coal. 

Deliverj\ 

Price. 

Amount 

5566 

Jan. 2 

Consol’d.. 

766.1540 


Front st.... 

$2 43 

$1,863 

5567 

“ 2 

ii 

107.635 

“ 

Hunt st,.... 

2 65 

284 

5570 

“ 9 

“ 

88.1240 

(4 

44 

2 65 

234 

557 1 

“ 9 

i 6 

760.205 

a 

Front st.... 

2 43 

1,847 

5597 

“ 16 

i 6 

59. 1 6 1 5 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

158 

5598 

“ 16 

“ 

745 - i 67 o 

44 

Front st.... 

2 43 

1,812 

5666 

“ .25 

Brown.... 

271.290 

“ 

4 4 

1 75 

474 

5668 

“ 23 

Consol’d.. 

6531430 

“ 


2 43 

1,588 

5669 

“ 23 

i i 

63-75 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

167 

5669 

“ 23 

ii 

2.500 

u 

Hunt-st. tk.. 

3 50 

7 

57 H 

“ 23 

“ 

303.1195 

“ 

Front st.... 

1 93 

585 

5715 

“ 30 

“ 

80.985 

“ 

Hunt st..... 

2 65 

213 

5716 

“ 30 

“ 

351-55 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 43 

853 

57 1 7 

“ 3 ° 

6 6 

329.1080 

44 

44 

1 93 

636 

5723 

Feb. 6 

i i 

61.1890 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

164 

5724 

“ 6 

i 6 

321.no 

“ 

Front st.... 

1 93 

619 

5725 

“ 6 

i < 

431-125 

“ 

44 

2 43 

1,047 

5736 

Jan. 30 

Carlisle... 

50.1125 

“ 

Eighth st... 

2 75 

i 39 

5736 

“ 3 ° 

ii 

2.400 

u 

Mt. Hope... 

2 75 

6 

5745 

Feb. 13 

Consol’d.. 

73 - 

“ 

Hunt st...... 

2 65 

193 

5746 

“ 13 

“ 

50.F310 

ii 

Front st._ 

1 93 

97 

5747 

“ 13 

(( 

748.1960 

“ 

4 4 

2 43 

1,820 

5786 

“ 20 


178.390 

“ 

44 

1 93 

343 

5787 

“ 20 


66.300 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

1 75 

5788 

“ 20 

i i 

635 685 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 43 

i ,543 

5807 

Tan. 16 

Kineon... 

3 >i 5 o 

Piedm’nt 

44 

4 00 

12 

5807 

“ 16 

ii 

12. 

Y ough .. 

I 2 th-st. yard 

3 00 

36 

5808 

“ 11 

Marmet .. 

4 - 

7th and Plum 

2 75 

11 

5808 

“ 23 

“ 

4 - 

“ 

4 4 

2 75 

11 

5808 

“ 23 

( i 

.1800 

Coke.... 


2 

4 

3849 

Feb. 27 

Consol’d.. 

in 1530 

Yough .. 

Front st.... 

/ J 

2 43 

271 

5850 

“ 27 

“ 

74 -H 45 


Hunt St. 

2 65 

198 

5851 a 

“ 26 

i i 

252.805 

44 

Front st.... 

1 93 

487 

5851 b 

“ 29 

i i 

245.990 

U 

4 4 

1 93 

473 

5852 

“ 9 

Brown.. .. 

124.1210 

44 

4 4 

1 75 

218 

5859 

“ 5 

Consol’d.. 

462.1605 

44 

4 4 

2 43 

1,124 

5860 

“ 5 

< t 

174.870 

U 

4 4 

1 93 

336 

5861 

“ 5 

^ < 

66.1501 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

176 

5878 

“ 7 

“ 

2. 


Mt. Hope... 

3 00 

6 

5879 

Mar. 12 

«< 

50295 

44 

Front st.... 

1 93 

96 

5880 

“ 12 

“ 

614.580 

44 

4 4 

2 43 

1,492 

5881 

“ 12 

“ 

63.1455 

44 

Hunt st. 

2 65 

168 

5881 

“ 12 

“ 

1. 

44 

Hunt-st. tk.. 

3 50 

3 

5909 

Feb. 29 

Carlisle... 

51 900 


Eighth st... 

2 75 

141 

592 i 

Mar. 19 

1 Consol’d.. 

100. 


Front st.... 

1 93 

193 

5922 

“ 9 


178.910 

44 

“ 

2 43 

433 

5923 

“ 19 

“ 

240.1750 


! << 

1 93 

464 

5924 

“ 19 

1 “ 

72.1945 

4 ‘ 

jHunt st. 

2 65 

193 

5948 

Feb. 15 

Kineon... 

12. 


I 2 th-st. yard 

3 00 

36 


25 

39 

84 

05 

49 

38 

5 ° 

53 

05 

88 

94 

3 i 

00 

01 

15 

64 

48 

05 

05 

45 

76 

02 

92 

30 

88 

30 

00 

00 

00 

00 

59 

01 

14 

80 

06 

61 

66 

89 

00 

, 79 

: 72 

; 88 

5 ° 

49 

, 00 

; 6< 

■ 89 

38 

1 00 



































58 


Report of Special Examiner. 


Voucher. 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Coal. 

Delivery. 

Price. 

Amount. 

5948 

Feb. 15 

Kineon... 


Yough .. 

Third-st. res. 

$3 oo, 

$3 OO 

5963 

“ 2 

Marmet .. 

4 - 

“ 

7thandPlum, 

2 75 ! 

11 00 

5963 

“ 19 

i i 

4 - 

‘‘ 

“ 

2 75 

II 00 

5984 

Mar. 28 

Brown.... 

114. 

Y ough .. 
“ 

Front st.... 

2 21 

251 94 

5984 

“ 28 

“ 

141. 

ti 

1 63 

229 83 

5984 

“ 30 

“ 

114.540 

“ 1 

“ 

2 21 

252 53 

5984 

“ 30 

“ 

142.1100 

u 

“ 

1 63 

232 36 

S 984 

“ 29 

i i 

114. 

“ 

“ 

2 21 

251 94 

5984 

“ 29 

ii 

141.1100 

“ 1 

“ 

| 1 63 

229 83 

598 .S 

“ 19 

“ 

138.1050 

“ 

“ 

1 63 

225 80 

5986 

« 28 

i i 

55730 

ii 

Hunt st... .1 

1 2 45 

135 64 

5989 

Apr. 4 

ii 

407.760 


Front st.... 

1 2 21 

900 31 

5989 

“ 4 

“ 

226.1230 

a 

“ 

1 63 

369 38 

5990 

“ 4 

“ 

69455 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 45 

169 61 

5992 

Mar. 21 

Carlisle .. 

33.1165 

Peach Or 

Eighth st. .. 

2 75 

92 36 

5992 

“ 21 

i ( 

1. 

Y ough .. 

Price Hill tk. 

3 00 

3 00 

6003 

Apr. 11 

Brown.. .. 

509.1765 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 21 

1,126 84 

6003 

“ 11 

i i 

171.1290 

it 

“ 

1 63 

279 78 

6004 

“ 11 

“ 

74 1075 

ii 

Hunt st.... 

2 45 

182 62 

6010 

“ 1 

Kineon... 

8. 


I2th-st. yard 

2 75 

22 00 

6010 

“ 1 


2.150 

Piedm’nt 

Front-st shp 

: 4 00 

8 30 

6014 

Mar. 18 

Marmet .. 

4 - 

Yough .. 

ii 

7th and Plum 

| 2 75 

11 00 

6014 

“ 22 

“ 

4 

“ 

2 75 

11 00 

6041 

Apr. 18 

Brown.... 

178.995 

ii 

1 

Hunt st.... 

| 2 45 

437 32 

6042 

“ 18 

“ 

509.410 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 21 

1.125 34 

6042 

“ j8 

“ 

281.890 

a 

44 

! 163 

458 76 

6052 

“ 25 

“ 

70.1775 

44 

Hunt st.... 

i 2 45 

173 67 

6053 

“ 25 

“ 

214.1450 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 21 

474 54 

6053 

“ 25 

ii 

473-550 

“ 

“ 

i 163 

771 44 

6081 

May 25 
“ 2 


234.1460 

“ 

“ 

1 2 21 

518 75 

6081 


452 580 

“ 

“ 

163 

737 23 

6082 

“ 2 

i i 

83.850 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 45 

204 40 

6108 

“ 3 

45 

95 7 io 


44 

2 45 

233 62 

6109 

“ 9 


137.180 


F ront st.... 

2 21 

302 97 

6109 

“ 9 


584 1590 

“ 

“ ' 

1 63 

953 22 

6171 

“ 16 


134.1320 

it 

“ 

2 21 

297 60 

6171 

“ 16 

ii 

501.1590 

it 

“ 

1 163 

817 92 

6172 

“ 16 

(( 

66.1630 

it 

Hunt st.... 

1 2 45 

163 70 

6173 

6210 

“ 16 

“ 1 

Kineon... 

2. 

8.450 

:: 

Eden Pk res. 
12th st. 

1 2 75 

5 42 
22 61 

6210 

“ 1 

“ 

2300 


Front st. shp 

4 00 

8 60 

6225 

Apr. 15 

Marmet .. 

2. 


7th and Plum 

! 2 75 

5 5 o 

6225 

“ 16 

“ 

2. 

. tt 

“i 

2 75 

5 5 o 

6252 

May 23 

Brown 

176.770 


Front st.... 

i 2 21 

389 81 

6252 

“ 23 

“ 

519.980 

Y ough .. 
“ 


1 63 

846 77 

6253 

“ 23 

“ 

66.564 

Hunt st.... 

2 45 

162 39 

6299 

“ 30 

“ 

116 870 


Front st.... 

2 21 

257 32 

6299 

“ 30 

“ 

635 - 5 00 


“ 

163 

1,035 46 

6300 

“ 30 

“ 

86.955 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 45 

211 87 

6305 

6305 

June 6 

“ 

148.350 

44 

Front st.... 

2 21 

327 47 

“ 

518 1835 

44 

“ 

' 163 

845 83 

6386 

“ 13 

a 

144.1550 



2 21 

319 95 




































Cincinnati Waterworks. 


59 


Voucher. 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

1 

Coal. 

Delivery. 

Price. 

Amount. 

6386 

June 

*3 

Brown . .. 

612.270 

Y ough .. 

Front st.... 

$1 

63 

$997 

78 

6387 

ii 

*3 

ii 

63.1845 

“ 

Hunt st.... 

2 

45 

156 

61 

6418 

a 

20 

“ 

617.1630 


Front st.... 

2 

21 

1,365 

37 

6418 

“ 

20 

“ 

86.1150 


“ 

I 

63 

141 

12 

6419 

i i 

20 

“ 

86.1600 

it 

Hunt st.... 

2 

45 

212 

66 

64 5 6 

i i 

27 

i i 

550 1030 

“ 

Front st_ 

2 

21 

1,216 

64 

6456 

i i 

27 

i i 

194.I700 


P 

I 

63 

3*7 

60 

6457 

Tune 

3 

Brown.... 

I06.IO 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

45 

259 

7 * 

6466 

i i 

5 

ii 

510.1970 

ti 

Front st_ 

2 

21 

1, *29 

28 

6466 

t i 

5 

i i 

323.1020 

ii 

11 

I 

63 

527 

32 

6467 

i 6 

5 

i i 

88.105 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

45 

2*5 

73 

6470 

i i 

11 

“ 

109.265 

tt 

• t 

2 

45 

267 

37 

6471 

ii 

11 

“ 

467.1580 

it 

Front st.... 

2 

21 

*,033 

82 

6471 

“ 

11 

“ 

327.1970 

ii 

11 

I 

63 

534 

61 

6518 

“ 

22 

Kineon... 

I. 

Piedm’nt 

Front st. shp 

4 

00 

4 

00 

6519 

i i 

1 

i i 

2. 

“ 

4 

00 

8 

00 

6547 

July 

i i 

18 

Brown.... 

522.230 

Yough .. 

Front st... 

2 

21 

*,*53 

87 

6547 

18 

“ 

280.1850 

ii 

“ 

1 

63 

457 

9 * 

6560 

May 

26 

“ 

4 - 

ii 

I2th-st. yard 

2 

5 ° 

10 

00 

6568 

Mar. 21-31 

Pittsburg. 

14.1950 


Eighth st.... 

2 

50 

37 

44 

6569 

April 

1-30 

“ 

50.1670 

;t 

< < 

2 

5 ° 

127 

09 

6570 

May 

2-31 

<< 

53-640 

ti 

“ 

2 

50 

*33 

30 

657 * 

Jane 

1-20 

<( 

61.1820 

it 

“ 

2 

52 

*54 

77 

6610 

July 

i i 

25 

Brown.... 

647.240 

it 

Front st. 

2 

21 

i, 43 o 

14 

6610 

25 

“ 

223.1170 

ii 

“ 

1 

63 

364 

34 

6611 

t i 

25 

“ 

IO4.139O 

ti 

Hunt st. 

2 

45 

256 

50 

6615 

Aug 

i i 

. 1 

“ 

746.I 120 

ii 

Front st.... 

2 

21 

1,649 

90 

6615 

1 

“ 

236.685 

“ 

i ( 

1 

63 

385 

24 

6616 

ii 

1 

“ 

I I I.32O 

ii 

Hunt st. 

2 

45 

272 

34 

6619 

July 

28 

«« 

IO3.72O 

“ 

Front st .... 

2 

21 

228 

42 

6620 

Aug. 

8 

< < 

660.570 

ii 

“ 

2 

21 

*,459 

23 

6620 

“ 

8 

*• 

242.295 

it 

a 

1 

63 

394 

70 

6621 

“ 

8 

“ 

146.505 

tt 

Hunt st. 

2 

45 

358 

32 

6622 

i i 

1 

“ 

91.720 

tt 

Front st.. 

2 

21 

201 

9 * 

6629 

i i 

*5 

“ 

727.580 

H 

i i 

2 

21 

1,607 

3 * 

6629 

i i 

*5 

«< 

129 780 

ii 

i i 

1 

63 

210 

9 * 

6630 

ii 

*5 

«« 

IO8.45 

a 

Hunt st. 

2 

45 

264 

66 

6631 


10 

“ 

IO7.80 

tt 

Front st.... 

2 

21 

236 

56 

6674 

July 

30 

Pittsburg. 

70.800 

Peach Or 

Eighth st.. . 

2 

5 ° 

176 

00 

6684 

Aug 

22 

Brown.... 

498.IO9O 

Yough .. 

Front st.... 

2 

21 

1,101 

78 

6684 


22 

“ 

375.610 

“ 

i i 

1 

63 

611 

75 

6687 

ii 

*5 

1 

156 80 

“ 

ii 

2 

21 

344 

85 

6688 

ii 

22 

“ 

I l8.l6o 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 

45 

289 

30 

6727 

my 

18 

IKineon... 

I. 

Piedm’nt 

Front st. shp 

4 

00 

4 

00 

6727 


18 

«« 

4 - 

Yough .. 

i i 

2 

50 

10 

00 

6777 

Aug 

29 

Brown.... 

607.420 

Front st.... 

2 

21 

*, 34 * 

93 

6777 

“ 

29 

it 

333-880 

“ 

“ 

1 

63 

543 

5 * 

6778 

«( 

29 


90.905 

it 

Hunt st. 

2 

45 

221 

61 

6779 

“ 

22 

i i 

159.1840 

ti 

Front st.... 

2 

21 

353 

42 

6782 

Sep. 

5 

t i 

904.1910 

“ 

i t 

2 

21 

*,999 

95 

6782 

i l 

5 

it 

136.1290 

“ 

i i 

1 

63 

222 

73 

6783 


5 

1 “ 

76.1385 


Hunt st. 

2 

45 

*87 

9 o 

































60 


Report of Special Examiner. 


Voucher. 

Date. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Coal. 

Delivery. 

Price. 

Amount. 

6850 

Sept. 12 

Brown.... 

631.1280 

Yough .. 

Front st .... 

$2 21 

$b 395 93 

6850 

“ 12 

“ 

299.950 


i i 

I 63 

488 14 

6851 

“ 12 

ft ft 

95.1660 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 45 

234 78 

6852 

“ 12 

“ 

2. 

(ft 

Mt. Aub. tk. 

3 5 ° 

7 00 

6864 

Aug. 1*31 

Pittsburg.. 

78.600 

Peach Or 

Eighth st.,.. 

2 50 

195 75 

6881 

Sep. 19 

Brown.... 

92.720 

Y ough .. 

Hunt st. 

2 45 

226 28 

6882 

“ 19 

ft ft 

618.1690 

Front st.... 

2 21 

1,367 65 

6882 

“ 19 

ii 

286.I3O 

“ 

“ 

1 63 

466 28 

6902 

“ 19 

Kineon... 

2. 

Piedm’nt 

Front-st. shp 

4 00 

8 00 

6948 

“ 26 

Brown.... 

785.I49O 

Yough .. 

Front st.... 

2 21 

i ,736 50 

6948 

“ 26 

“ 

1 73.1290 

u 

“ 

1 63 

283 04 

6949 

“ 26 

i ft 

89.25 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 45 

218 68 

6978 

Oct. 3 

ii 

577-970 

“ 

Front st.... 

2 21 

1,276 24 

6979 

“ 3 

i i 

411.1680 

“ 

• ft 

1 63 

671 30 

6980 

“ 3 

i i 

72.550 

“ 

Hunt st. 

2 45 

177 07 

6980 

“ 3 

ii 

1. 

“ 

Third st. res. 

3 00 

3 00 




36 , 3 2 7 ^V(j 




$ 76,541 69 


EXHIBIT B. 

Cincinnati, June i, 1891. 

The Consolidated Coal and Mining Company, City: 

Gentlemen ,—You are hereby notified that the coal being delivered 
at the Front-street Pumping Station is not satisfactory as to quality, as 
the services rendered is far from being as it should in comparison to 
the most of the coal burned. It is worth a certain amount of money 
per week to run the boilers at this station, and has been demonstrated 
by years of use almost exactly the weekly expense of running the 
house when the best second-pool Youghiogheny coal is burned. Your 
contract is to supply coal of this quality; consequently our expense 
should average a certain amount per week. Because of furnishing an 
inferior quality of coal, the expense has been increased until it now 
shows double the amount of dollars actually necessary for running 
this house. This can not continue, as bills in such amounts can not 
be approved in this office. 

You will please give this matter your immediate attention and thus 
avoid complication in the future. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP. 






















Cincinnati Waterworks. 


61 


EXHIBIT C. 

Cincinnati, March 22, 1892. 
The Pittsburg Coal Company, City: 

Gentlemen ,—Inclosed please find four copies of contract with the 
Cincinnati Waterworks for coal, which please sign, also the bond 
attached, and return to this office as soon as possible. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


Cincinnati, March 28, 1892. 

The Pittsburg Coal Company, 

Corner Elm Street and River, City: 

Gentlemen ,—You will please sign the contracts for coal mailed you 
for signature. This must be done without delay. If you are furnish¬ 
ing the coal, and intend to do so, you will sign and return the con¬ 
tracts to this office. Unless this is done within a reasonable time, we 
will order the coal elsewhere. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


Cincinnati, April 7, 1892. 
The Pittsburg Coal Company, City: 

Gentlemen ,—I herewith return you copies of contract, you having 
failed to sign them. You want to sign on the first page, the same as 
you signed your original proposal, the place that is marked with a 
cross. You will also want to sign the proposal on the back the same 
as you did in the original, and in the bond you must fill in the name 
of the sureties, and also sign the firm’s name as a surety. Also, in the 
individual bond, you must make an affidavit before a notary public 
that the sureties are worth the face of the bond, and also the bond 
itself must be signed by the Pittsburg Coal Company, as well as by 
the sureties. Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


Report of Special Examined. 


62 


Cincinnati, April 8, 1892. 

The Pittsburg Coal Company, 

Corner Elm Street and River, City: 

Gentlemen ,—I once more return your contracts, you having failed 
to have your sureties qualify as to the face of the bond. You must 
do this before a notary public, per my letter of April 7th. 

Please have this done properly, and do not send them to this office 
until they are entirely completed. You will find the blank to be 
signed on the first page of each contract. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


Cincinnati, April 16, 1892. 

The Pittsburg Coal Company, 

Elm Street and River, City: 

Gentlemen ,—I would call your attention to the fact that the City 
Auditor will refuse to pay any bills to your firm for coal delivered 
before the signing of your contract. These contracts have been in 
your possession for some time. You certainly understand and appre¬ 
ciate the situation. Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 

Cincinnati, May 3, 1892. 

The Pittsburg Coal Company, 

Elm Street and River, City : 

Gentlemen ,—Inclosed please find your bills returned. We have no 
contract with you. We have endeavored to get one signed by you 
on several occasions, but failed. We can pay none of these bills 
without a contract. Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 

Cincinnati, June 1, 1892. 

The Pittsburg Coal Company, 

Elm Street and River, City : 

Gentlemen ,—There is no excuse for the long delay in the signing 
of contract for coal on the part of your company. You will please 
attend to this matter at once or we will be compelled to take positive 


Cincinnati Waterworks. 


63 


action in the matter. You have already placed yourselves in a posi¬ 
tion in which you will have trouble in the collection of your bills. 
I can not understand this negligence and carelessness on your part. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP. 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 

Cincinnati, June 6, 1892. 

The Pittsburg Coal Company, 

Corner Elm Street and River, City: 

Gentlemen ,—Inclosed please find copy of your contract with the 
Cincinnati Water Department for furnishing coal for Price-Hill Pump¬ 
ing Station. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


SPECIFICATIONS, PROPOSALS, and CONTRACTS FOR COAL. 

EXHIBIT D. 

SPECIFICATIONS 

For delivery to the several pumping stations, for the year ending May 
1, 1891, of lump or nut coal, of good quality, for steaming purposes, 
of which 30,000 tons, more or less, are to be delivered at the Front- 
street Pumping Works, in quantities as directed by the Superintendent; 
3,000 tons, more or less, to be delivered at Hunt-street Pumping 
Works, in quantities as directed by the Superintendent; and 600 tons, 
more or less, at Price-Hill Works, in quantities sufficient for daily con¬ 
sumption. 

1. Bidders will name the kind of coal, and if possible give com¬ 
parative value of their coal to the second-pool Youghiogheny coal. 

2. The contractor is required to begin delivering the coal on the 
day of the award of contract, and continue the delivery of same in 
the orders and quantities above named. 

3. Said coal to be weighed upon the City Waterworks’ scales at 
said pumping houses. 



64 


Report of Special Examiner. 


4. No coal that is mixed with slack, slate, water, snow, or ice will 
be received. 

5. The Engineer of Waterworks shall cause rigid examination to 
be made of the coal as it is received, and shall have power to refuse 
any coal which does not conform to stipulations of contract, that 
contains slack or slate in undue quantities, or has the appearance 
of qualities inferior to specifications, or is unsatisfactory in any par¬ 
ticular, and shall compel the contractor or contractors to furnish an 
acceptable quality therefor. 

6. Bids will be received at rate per ton of two thousand pounds. 

7. A bond, with two responsible sureties, will be required for the 
faithful performance of the above-named conditions. 

8. Payments to be made on delivered quantities, approved by the 
Superintendent of the Waterworks. 

9. Bids will be required for each bid separately. 

[Signed] .. 

Sup’t and Engineer of City Waterworks. 

Cincinnati,.188 

This Agreement, made this.by and between the city 

of Cincinnati, of the first part, and W. H. Brown & Sons, of the 
second part, witnesseth: 

1. The said parties of the second part, for and in consideration 
of the covenant and agreements hereinafter set forth, to be kept and 
performed by the said party of the first part, hereby covenant and 
agree to and with said party of the first part to furnish and deliver to 
the said party of the first part, in such quantities and at such times as 
the Board of Public Improvements of said city may order, all of the 
coal as provided for in this proposal. Thirty thousand tons, more or 
less, second-pool Youghiogheny coal at Front-street Pumping Station, at 
$1.87 per ton, and 3,000 tons, more or less, second-pool Youghiogheny 
coal, at $2.35 per ton, at Hunt-street Pumping Station, as directed by 
the Superintendent. 

2 In consideration of the above agreements the said party of the 
first part hereby agree that it will buy, to the extent bid for at the 
above rates, from the said party of the second part the entire 30,000 
tons, more or less, for Front street Pumping Station, and 3,000 tons, 
more or less, for Hunt-street Pumping Station, as their needs demand, 
for daily use by the Waterworks Department of said city. 

In witness whereof, the said city of Cincinnati has caused her 
name and corporate seal to be hereunto affixed by President of Board 





Cincinnati Waterworks. 65 

of Public Improvements, thereunto duly authorized, and the said 
party of the second part have hereunto set their hands and seals on 
the day and year aforesaid. 

Witness: .. 

. Pres’t Board of Public Affairs. 


To the Honorable Board of Public Affairs: 

Gentlemen ,—.will furnish and deliver, in accordance 

with accompanying specifications, the following: 

30,000 tons second-pool Youghiogheny coal for Front-st. Works, $1 87 per ton 
3,000 tons second-pool Youghiogheny coal for Hunt-st. Works, $2 35 per ton 

.tons...coal for Price-Hill Works, .... per ton 

Respectfully, 

.... offer as sureties: Bidder. 


EXHIBIT E. 

SPECIFICATIONS 

For the best quality of lump or nut coal, of good quality, for 

steaming purposes,.tons to be delivered at the Front- 

street Pumping Works, in quantities as may be necessary or ordered 
by the Waterworks Department, and also to be delivered at Hunt- 
street Pumping Works, in quantities as may be necessary or ordered 
by the Waterworks Department, in quantities sufficient for daily con¬ 
sumption, during the period of one year from the date of award. 

1. Bidders will name the kind of coal, and if possible give com¬ 
parative value of their coal to the second-pool Youghiogheny coal. 

2. The contractor is required to begin delivering the coal on the 
day of the award of contract, and continue the delivery of same in 
the orders and quantities above named. 

3. Said coal to be weighed upon the City Waterworks scales at 
said pumping houses. 

4. No coal that is mixed with slack, slate, water, snow, or ice will 
be received. 

5. The Engineer of Waterworks shall cause rigid examination to 
be made of the coal as it is received, and shall have power to refuse 















Report of Special Examiner. 


fib 

any coal which does not conform to stipulations of contract, that con¬ 
tains slack or slate in undue quantities, or has the appearance of 
qualities inferior to specifications, or is unsatisfactory in any particular, 
and shall compel the contractor or contractors to furnish an acceptable 
quality therefor. 

6. Bids will be received at rate per ton of two thousand pounds. 

7. A bond, with two responsible sureties, will be required for the 
faithful performance of the above-named conditions. 

8 Payments to be made on delivered quantities, approved by the 
Superintendent of the Waterworks, at the end of each week. 

[Signed.] 

Sup’t and Engineer of City Waterworks. 

Cincinnati,. 188 

This Agreement, made this.by and between the 

City of Cincinnati, of the first part, and The Consolidated Coal and 
Mining Company, of the second part, witnesseth : 

1. The said parties of the second part, for and in consideration of 
the covenant and agreements hereinafter set forth, to be kept and 
performed by the said party of the first part, hereby covenant and 
agree to and with said party of the first part to furnish and deliver to 
the said party of the first part, in such quantities and at such times as 
the Board of Administration of said city may order, all of the coal as 
provided for in this proposal. 

2. In considerations of the above agreements the said party of 
the first part hereby agree that it will buy, to the extent bid for at the 
above rates, from the said party of the second part, The Consolidated 
Coal and Mining Company, all the coal necessary for daily use by 
the Waterworks Department of said city of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, 
Ohio, provided same be of quality provided for by specification. 

In witness whereof, the said City of Cincinnati has caused her 
name and corporate seal to be hereunto affixed by President of Board 
of Administration, thereunto duly authorized, and the said party of 
the second part have hereunto set their hands and seals on the day 
and year aforesaid. 

[Signed] JOHN FREY, 

Vice-President Board of Public Affair*. 

THE CONSOL’D COAL & MINING CO. 

Bv Jas. D. Hurd. Secretary. 

Witness: Geo. E Renoir. 





Cincinnati Waterworks. 67 

To the Honorable Board of Public Affairs : 

Gentlemen ,—We will furnish and deliver, in accordance with ; 
accompanying specifications, the following: 

.. 

......tons Youghiogheny second-pool coal for Front-st. Works, $2 43 per ton 

.tons Youghiogheny second-pool coal for Hunt-st. Works, $2 65 per ton 

....’..tons.coal for Price-Hill Works,.. ..per ton 

. Respectfully, 

THE CONSOL’D COAL & MINING CO. 

ByjAS. D. HurD, Secretary. 

We offer as sureties: Alex. McDonald, Sol. P. Kineon. 

B^nd in sum of $10,000 signed by Sol. P. Kineon and W. Austin 
Goodman without date ; date of contract blank in bond. 

Approved as sufficiency of sureties by D. W. Brown, City Auditor, 
July 11, 1891. Sureties make affidavit as to having $10,000, July 16, 
1891. 

EXHIBIT F. 

SPECIFICATIONS 

For the best quality second-pool Youghiogheny screened lump and 
best quality Youghiogheny slack coal, for steaming purposes, to be 
delivered at the Front-street Pumping Works, in quantities as may be 
necessary or ordered by the # Waterworks Department; to be delivered 
at Hunt-street Pumping Works, in quantities as may be necessary or 
ordered by the Waterworks Department; at Price-Hill Works, in 
quantities as may be necessary or ordered by the Waterworks Depart¬ 
ment, during the period of one year from date of award. 

j. Bidders will name the kind of coal, and if possible give com¬ 
parative value of their coal to the second-pool Youghiogheny coal. 

2. The contractor is required to begin delivering the coal on the 
day of the award of contract, and continue the delivery of same in ; 
the orders and quantities above named. 

3. Said coal to be weighed upon the City Waterworks scales at 
said pumping houses. 

4. No coal that is mixed with slack, slate, water, snow, or ice will 
be received. 

5. The Engineer of Waterworks shall cause rigid examination to 
be made of the coal as it is received, and shall have power to refuse 






68 Report of Speciat. Examiner. 

any coa] which does not conform to stipulations of contract, that con¬ 
tains slack or slate in undue quantities, or has the appearance of 
qualities inferior to specifications, or is unsatisfactory in any particular, 
and shall compel the contractor or contractors to furnish an acceptable 
quality therefor. 

6. Bids will be received at rate per ton of two thousand pounds. 

7. A bond, with two responsible sureties, will be required for the 
faithful performance of the above-named conditions. 

8 . Payments to be made on delivered quantities, approved by the 
Superintendent of the Waterworks, at the end of each week. 

[Signed] WILLIS P. THARP, 

Sup’t and Engineer City Waterworks. 

Cincinnati,. 1892. 

This Agreement, made this.by and between the City 

of Cincinnati, of the first part, and W. H. Brown & Sons, of the 
second part, witnesseth: 

1. The said parties of the second part, for and in consideration 
of the covenant and agreements hereinafter set forth, to be kept and 
performed by the said party of the first part, hereby covenant and 
agree to and with said party of the first part to furnish and deliver to 
the said party of the first part, in such quantities and at such times as 
the Board of Administration of said city may order, all of the coal as 
provided for in this proposal. 

2. In consideration of the above agreements the said party of the 
first part hereby agree that it will buy, to the extent bid for at the 
above rates, from the said party of the Second part, W. H. Brown 
& Sons, all the coal and slack necessary for daily use by the Water¬ 
works Department of said city for Front-street Pumping Station and 
Hunt-street Pumping Station, provided same be of quality provided 
by specification, and provided same be provided in quantities as may 
be necessary and ordered. 

In witness whereof, the said City of Cincinnati has caused her 
name and corporate seal to be hereunto affixed by President of Board 
of Administration, thereunto duly authorized, and the said party of the 
second part have hereunto set their hands and seals on the day and 
year aforesaid. 

[Signed] T. W. GRAYDON, 

Witness : President Board of Administration. 

. W. H. BROWN & SONS, 

Per J P. Bauer. Agent. 






Cincinnati Waterworks. 


m 


Cincinnati, March 15, 1892. 

To the Honorable Board of Administration : 

Gentlemen ,—We, the undersigned, will furnish and deliver, in 
accordance with accompanying specifications, the following: 


Best quality second-pool Youghiogheny lump coal for Front- 

street Works..$2 21 per ton. 

Best quality Youghiogheny slack coal for Front-street Works, $1 63 per ton. 
Best quality second-pool Youghiogheny lump coal for Hunt- 

street Works,. $2 45 per ton. 

.coal for Price-Hill Works -per ton. 


It is reserved that our bid on Front-street Works shall be accepted 
as a whole, and not for either coal or slack separately. 

Respectfully, 

[Signed] W. H. BROWN & SONS, 

Per J. P. Bauer, Agent. 

We offer as sureties : Wm. Purvis, Ezra Greenwald. 


EXHIBIT G. 

Cincinnati, July 14, 1891. 

The Consolidated Coal and Mining Company, City: 

Gentlemen y —Inclosed please find copy of your contract for furnish¬ 
ing coal for the Water Department. 

Yours truly, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


Cincinnati, March 22, 1892. 

W. H. Brown & Sons, City : 

Gentlemen ,—Inclosed please find four copies of contract with the 
Cincinnati Waterworks for coai, which please sign, also the bond 
attached, and return to this office as soon as convenient. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Water works. 





70 


Report op Special Examiner. 


Cincinnati, March 28, 1892. 

W. H. Brown & Sons, City : 

Gentlemen ,—You will please sign the contracts for coal mailed you 
for signature. This must be done without delay, as it is unnecessary 
to waste time as in the past discussing the question. If you are fur¬ 
nishing the coal and intend to do so, you will sign and return con¬ 
tracts to this office. Unless this is done within a reasonable time, we 
will order the coal elsewhere. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

, i 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


: Cincinnati, April 5, 1892. 
W. H. Brown & Sons, City: j 

Gentlemen ,—Inclosed please find copy of your contract with the 
Waterworks Department for coal. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP. 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


EXHIBIT H, 

Cincinnati, April 28, 1891. 

Consolidated Coal and Mining Company, 

Mitchell Building, City : 

Gentlemen ,—You are hereby notified that the quality of coal being 
delivered by you under your contract is very inferior to the quality 
contracted for; consequently you will please change at once your 
delivery to the best quality of second-pool Youghiogheny lump coal. 

You have been verbally notified in the past that the coal being 
delivered was not up to the standard, and the time has now come 
when a change must be made, or I will be compelled to approve your 
weekly bills not according to the number of tons delivered at the 
price per ton under your contract, but according to the service ren¬ 
dered because of the poor quality of coal being delivered. The bills 
are some $800 per week in excess of what they should be if the 
proper coal was delivered. 


ClNClNN AT I Wat er wo r ks. 


71 


This matter is one that will not admit of any delay. Unless the 
quality of coal improves at once I will be compelled to purchase coal 
from other parties. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 


Cincinnati, August 15, 1892. 

W. H. Brown & Sons, 

Corner Front and Lawrence Streets, City: 

Gentlemen ,—Your attention is called to the fact that during the past 
several days you have been delivering at Front Street a quality of coal 
inferior to that called for by the specifications. 

While we do not wish any trouble, and are sorry that we are com¬ 
pelled to object to the inferior quality that is being delivered, yet the 
subject of the quality of coal is one not to be discussed from day to 
day, and meanwhile the department suffers from the burning of some 
other coal than the best screened second-pool Youghiogheny lump. 

Respectfully yours, 

WILLIS P. THARP, 

Superintendent and Engineer of Waterworks. 

































